Planet Parade 2024

Have you heard about the “Planetary Alignment June 2024?” According to the internet, there will be a “planet parade,” a rare planetary alignment during which six planets will be visible. Just before sunrise on June 3, sky-watchers can see Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.


At least, that’s the story you’ll read across the internet this week as (yet more) misinformation about planetary alignments spreads like wildfire. Maybe it’s due to the uptick in interest in all things space since April 8’s total solar eclipse and May 11’s solar superstorm. Either way, it’s incorrect.

The Two Planets You’ll See
this “planetary parade” takes place across a huge swathe of sky. With the sun about to rise and the sky brightening, here are your real-world chances of seeing each planet with the naked eye:


   Jupiter: tricky—it’s very close to the sun.
   Mercury: tricky—it’s dim and very close to the sun.
   Uranus: you’ll need a huge telescope and lots of patience.
   Mars: visible to the naked eye (though dim)
   Neptune: you’ll need a huge telescope and lots of patience.
   Saturn: visible to the naked eye (though dim)

Moon Steals The Show
It all adds up to one of the most disappointing “planet parades” you’ll ever see/not see—but there is a reason to go look regardless. Between May 31 and June 2, a waning crescent moon will be visible close to Saturn and Mars.

Here’s when to look:
- Friday, May 31: A 42% waning crescent moon close to Saturn in the southeastern pre-dawn sky.
- Saturday, June 1: A 31% waning crescent moon alongside Mars and Saturn.
- Sunday, June 2: A 21% waning crescent moon alongside Mars and Saturn.
- Monday, June 3: A 12% waning crescent moon close to Mars.
- Tuesday, June 4: A 6% waning crescent moon, with Mars and Saturn higher in the sky.

Across these five mornings you can watch the moon’s phases and position in the sky change. A beautiful sight, for sure, with a couple of planets to spy close by. There will be an alignment of six planets, but you’ll have to leave four of them up to your imagination.

Read the full original article at https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2024/05/21/what-youll-actually-see-during-junes-rare-planetary-alignment