People around the world will enjoy the four-planet parade for the whole month: what is this unique phenomenon
From the very first days of January, people around the world can see a number of magical events in the sky - from the abundant Quadrantid meteor shower to the bright aurorae. But even more unique is the parade of planets that can be seen throughout the month.
According to NASA, you can admire Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars in the night sky, which are visible to the naked eye. And if you take a telescope, you can also see Uranus and Neptune, MarthaStewart writes.
Astronomers emphasize that in a few hours after the sky darkens, Venus and Saturn will become visible in the southwest, and Jupiter will be above them. As for Mars, it should be seen closer to the east.
Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus shine brightly in the night sky.
Source: Getty
According to NASA, the planets will line up in a line called the ecliptic. It represents the plane of the solar system in which planets orbit a hot star.
"This is, incidentally, why we sometimes observe planets appearing to approach closely to each other in the sky, as we view them along a line while they careen around the cosmic racetrack," NASA scientists explain.
According to them, Venus and Saturn will be visible in the sky every night as the moon passes. The space agency reported that these planets "head for a super close approach." And on January 17 and 18, Venus and Saturn will begin to diverge.
The researchers also emphasize that this month Mars will reach opposition, meaning that the planet will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, forming a straight line. NASA explains that this is when the Red Planet will be closest to our planet, so it will look bigger and brighter than usual. Mars reaches a standoff about once every two years, experts add.
Scientists note that although it is not uncommon to see planets in a row, it is truly special that in January you can see four extremely bright planets in the sky at the same time.
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