Six planets in our solar system—Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—are set to align on June 3, an event some media outlets have dubbed a “planetary parade.” However, despite the anticipation surrounding this celestial occurrence, most of these planets will not be visible to the naked eye.
At least four of the planets in the alignment—Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune—will either be too faint to see without optical aid or obscured by the glare of the rising sun. Only Mars and Saturn will be discernible, but they too will likely appear dim in the predawn hours when the alignment is expected to occur.
Mars and Saturn have been visible just before dawn throughout May, rising higher each morning. Despite the limited visibility of the planetary parade, those who venture outside an hour before sunrise on June 3 or 4 may be rewarded with a beautiful sight. A crescent moon will be visible near Mars and Saturn, adding to the celestial spectacle.
For those wishing to enhance their viewing experience, binoculars or a telescope can assist in observing both the planets and the moon. Online tools like Stellarium and Sky Safari offer valuable information for finding viewing dates and times based on location, even indicating the positions of the four hidden planets on June 3. For mobile users, the SkySafari app provides similar functionality.
While the planetary parade may not deliver the spectacular display as initially anticipated, it nevertheless presents an opportunity to witness the celestial movement of our solar system. Interested individuals should note that a crescent moon will accompany Mars and Saturn, creating a captivating sight worth observing.
