How to Witness and Enjoy the ‘Parade of Planets 2024’ on June 3 in India

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On June 3, stargazers are in for a treat as a rare celestial event known as the ‘Parade of Planets’ will take place, with six planets aligning in the sky. The event, which follows the Total Solar eclipse in April, will feature Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune lining up in a spectacular display. Despite the excitement, not all planets will be visible to the naked eye due to their distance from Earth and the presence of the rising Sun and the Moon.

To help people spot and enjoy this celestial event, NASA has shared some tips. According to NASA, sky-gazers should look for reddish Mars between Saturn and the slim crescent Moon before Sunrise on June 3. Additionally, using a telescope will allow viewers to spot other planets in the sky in the early morning of June 3.

For those eager to witness the ‘Parade of Planets,’ experts recommend finding a location with a clear view of the morning sky and checking the exact date and time of the alignment. The best time to observe the event, according to NASA, is one hour before sunrise, adjusted for local time.

While the Moon, Mars, and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, other planets will require a telescope for viewing. NASA emphasizes that the other planets may be lost in the glare of the rising Sun, making a telescope essential for a complete viewing experience.

The ‘Parade of Planets’ is not uncommon in the solar system, with multiple occurrences each year. Planetary alignments are a fascinating phenomenon where planets appear to be in a straight line from Earth’s perspective. This particular alignment will showcase Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune aligning in the sky, offering a unique opportunity for sky-watchers to witness the event.

For Indian skywatchers, the early morning of June 4 is the ideal time to witness the ‘Parade of Planets.’ By following the tips provided by NASA, enthusiasts can enhance their viewing experience and marvel at the beauty of our celestial neighbors.