BBC Climate and Science
Skyvocators are in the form of seven planets for a treatment this week – Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury and Saturn will all appear briefly in the evening sky.
This phenomenon, known as the ‘Planetary Parade’, is a rare view, and this will be the last time when seven planets can be seen together so well by 2040.
The best opportunity to see more and more planets will be after sunset on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Four planets – mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Mars – will appear to the naked eyes. It will be difficult for Saturn to see because it will be less in the horizon. You will need a telescope to spot the other two planets – Uranus and Neptune.
Getty imagesThe horizon and a good view of the clear sky will give them all the best chance to spot them. However, the window will be very brief to see all seven planets.
Dr. Edward Blomer, the astronomer of the Royal Observatory Greenwich said: “Essentially there is a rare opportunity for you to see seven planets in a convenient place to see.”
As the sun sets, Saturn and mercury will also be set, making them especially difficult to see them.
Dr. Blomer said, “You really after sunset only a few minutes before catching them, for a few minutes only after a few minutes before catching them.
In our solar system, the planets revolve around the Sun within a flat plane like the Earth.
As they revolve around the sun at different speeds and distances, there are moments when they create a great view from the Earth’s point of view, although the planets live separately from the huge distance in the space.
Getty imagesVenus and Jupiter will be the easiest due to their brightness, while Mars will have a different red color.
“Uranus appears technically with naked eyes, but you will need the right vision and ideal conditions,” Dr. Blomers state.
To improve their possibilities of seeing more and more planets, Dr. Blomers recommend going to a location with a clear view of horizon and minimal light pollution.
“If you pop in your back garden from your kitchen, you will take time to adjust the light levels. Give it some time – it takes about half an hour to adjust your eyes completely,” Dr. Blomer said.
“Avoid looking at your phone, relax, and make sure you have an uninterrupted view of the horizon.”
While this is an exciting opportunity, Dr. Blomers encourage people to make a habit of staring in the night sky.
“See how things change,” he said, observing the sky “is a chance to see the ongoing mechanics of the solar system at work.”
Will the sky be quite clear to see them all this week?
On Wednesday night, the sky will usually be cloudy with rain several times.
By Thursday, expect a dry, clear view of the night sky. The evening is best in the evening, as the mist and fog patches can develop at night.
It is expected to dominate high pressure for Friday, keeping dry status for most with clear mantra. Immediately after sunset is the most preferred of mist and fog patches may develop later.
Additional reporting by BBC season all the Kith-Lukas
