'Parade of Planets': A rare astronomical event that will happen on June 3 | - Times of India (2024)

Astronomical events have the power to unite people across the globe in a shared experience of wonder and discovery. One such event that is eagerly anticipated by many is the

alignment

of

six planets

in our

solar system

, which will grace our skies on June 3, 2024. This alignment, often referred to colloquially as a ‘

Parade of Planets

,’ is not just a stunning visual display but also an important moment for scientific observation and public engagement with

astronomy

.
On the morning of June 3, skywatchers will be treated to the sight of Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune sharing a common path across the sky. This path, known as the ecliptic, is the apparent trajectory the Sun follows over the year and serves as a kind of celestial highway for the planets in our solar system. The alignment will be visible from the

Northern Hemisphere

, with the best views expected in the eastern sky just before dawn.

Each planet will bring its own unique qualities to the alignment. Saturn, with its magnificent rings, will be visible in the constellation Aquarius, shining at a magnitude of 1.1, making it one of the brighter objects in the morning sky. Neptune, though more challenging to spot at a magnitude of 7.9, will be located in the nearby constellation Pisces and will require high-powered binoculars or a telescope to observe.

Mars, distinguishable by its reddish tint, will also be in Pisces and visible to the naked eye. Its proximity to Neptune will offer a fascinating contrast between a planet easily seen with the naked eye and one that represents the more distant and less explored reaches of our solar system. Jupiter, the giant of our planetary neighborhood, will dominate the sky with its bright presence at a magnitude of -2.0, followed by Mercury, which will also be visible without optical aids at a magnitude of -1.4.

As per reports, during the last week of June, giant Jupiter will re-emerge as a morning planet, after passing behind the Sun, from our point of view on Earth, over the past couple of months. And by June 24th, one can find it about 10 degrees above the horizon as the morning sky begins to brighten. It will climb a little higher each morning after that as July approaches.
The event is not just a chance to marvel at the beauty of the cosmos; it also provides a platform for education and outreach. Astronomical societies and educational institutions around the world will likely organize viewing events and activities to coincide with the alignment, offering a chance for people of all ages to learn more about the planets and their movements.
Planetary alignments are relatively common occurrences, with smaller groupings happening several times a year. However, the alignment of six planets is a rarer event, with the last such occurrence visible in the Northern Hemisphere on April 8, 2024. The rarity of these events adds to their allure and the sense of anticipation among those who look forward to witnessing them.
The upcoming alignment on June 3 is a chance for stargazers and fans of astronomy to observe a spectacular celestial event. For those who take the time to observe, the Parade of Planets offers a moment of connection with the universe, an experience that ties us to the generations of skywatchers who have come before us. It is an opportunity to witness firsthand the beauty and harmony of the universe, a sight that will linger in the memory long after the planets have continued on their separate paths around the sun.
Will people in India be able to witness this event?
Yes, the Parade of Planets on June 3, 2024, will be visible from India. Residents of India will have the opportunity to witness this spectacular astronomical event in all its glory. While Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, Uranus and Neptune will be more elusive, requiring the aid of a telescope or high-powered binoculars for a glimpse of their distant beauty. Clear skies will enhance the viewing experience, so it’s advisable to check the local weather forecast in anticipation of this rare astral parade.
For viewers in India, the “parade of planets” on June 3, 2024, will be visible a few hours before sunrise. While the exact timing may vary slightly depending on your specific location within India, it’s recommended to look towards the eastern sky during the predawn hours to catch a glimpse of this rare astronomical alignment.