From the solar eclipse to the northern lights New Yorkers are experiencing some pretty spectacular celestial events–but the skies aren’t stopping there!
This June New Yorkers will get to witness one of the rarest planetary spectacles in history this summer–a large planetary alignment.
Here’s everything you need to know about this June’s large planetary alignment:
What does a planetary alignment mean?
A planetary alignment is when several planets gather closely on one side of the sun at the same time–forming a line, though not a perfectly straight one–according to Starwalk.space.
The spectacle is also sometimes referred to as a “planet parade,” which, in the broadest sense, refers to when several planets are present in the sky at once.
What makes the celestial event so special is that no special equipment is needed to enjoy it–it can (mostly) be seen with the naked eye!
When can I see the large planetary alignment in NYC?
The large planetary alignment will be visible in New York in the early morning on Monday, June 3, 2024.
Which planets will be visible during the large planetary alignment in NYC?
During June’s large planetary alignment, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, and Uranus will be visible.
While you’ll be able to see Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn with the naked eye, you’ll need a telescope or high-powered binoculars to see Neptune and Uranus.
Note that tall buildings can obstruct your view so us New Yorkers will have to either find open space, such as a park or beach, or head out onto a rooftop for the chance to see it!
When and where will each planet be visible in NYC?
Planetary alignments are typically best seen at least an hour before sunrise (~5:26 am on June 3). Starwalk.space writes that each planet will be visible at the following times:
- Saturn – late night onward (in the constellation Aquarius, visible with the naked eye)
- Neptune – late night onward (in the constellation Pisces, telescope/binoculars required)
- Mars – will rise a little later (in the constellation Pisces, visible with the naked eye)
- Uranus – at dawn (in the constellation Taurus, telescope/binoculars required)
- Jupiter – at dawn (in the constellation Taurus, visible with the naked eye)
- Mercury – at dawn (in the constellation Taurus, potentially visible with the naked eye)
To make sure you located each planets correctly and aren’t just looking at stars, you can download the free stargazing app Sky Tonight.
When will the next large planetary alignment occur?
If you miss this spectacle don’t worry–the next large planetary alignment involving these same planets will happen again on August 28, 2024, according to Starwalk.
How many kinds of planetary alignments are there?
There are four kinds of planetary alignments:
- Mini planetary alignment – 3 planets aligned
- Small planetary alignment – 4 planets aligned
- Large planetary alignment – 5 or 6 planets aligned
- Great (full) planetary alignment – all Solar System planets aligned (+ sometimes Pluto)
Are planetary alignments common?
While it’s not uncommon to see two or three planets align in the sky, an alignment of more than that is less common.
What year will all 8 planets align?
According to various sources, the next time all eight planets will come close to being aligned will be on May 6, 2492.
Though Starwalk writes that the closest we’ll get in our lifetime to seeing close to 8 planets align will be next year on February 28, 2025, when 7 planets will align: Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars.
Happy planet gazing!