The term "planetary alignment" is used in astronomy to refer to the fact that several planets gather on one side of the Sun simultaneously. In a few days we will have an unusual planetary alignment.
In this article we are going to tell you all the details about the June 2024 planetary alignment and how you can see it.
planetary alignment
On June 3, 2024, a rare event will take place when six planets align in perfect planetary alignment. Mark your calendars for June 3, 2024, when an extraordinary celestial event will occur. In the early morning hours, a remarkable alignment of six planets will grace the sky: Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. For more details on how to prepare for astronomical events, you can consult our section on Everything you need to know about syzigas and better plan your observations.
While the naked eye can easily spot Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, contemplating the distant wonders of Uranus and Neptune will require the aid of a high-powered telescope or binoculars. Now, let's delve into the specific conditions necessary to witness this impressive planetary convergence.
In the late afternoon you can observe the presence of Saturn, which has a yellowish tone and shines with a magnitude of 1,1. This celestial body will be easily visible without the help of any optical instrument, as it adorns the constellation of Aquarius. Very close, within the constellation of Pisces, is Neptune, with a magnitude of 7,9. However, To glimpse this distant planet, the help of high-powered binoculars will be necessary. To identify all the planets, you can also consult our guide on reflecting telescopes for astronomical observation.
Next, the planet Mars (magnitude 1,0) will rise into the sky. It will be easily recognizable by its distinctive reddish tone. Furthermore, Mars will be located within the constellation of Pisces, making it easily visible without the aid of any optical instruments.
As the sun begins to rise, the eastern horizon will be graced by Uranus (magnitude 5,8), Jupiter (magnitude -2,0), and Mercury (magnitude -1,4). Jupiter, which shines brightly, will be easily visible without aids, and if you're lucky, you might even glimpse Mercury without binoculars or a telescope. However, detecting Mercury will be more difficult due to its proximity to the Sun. Only binoculars will be available to observe Uranus. The three planets will be located within the constellation of Taurus. To plan your observations and not miss important details, you can also consult the guide on Planetary alignment in June 2024 and maximize your experience.
For perfect and accurate identification of celestial bodies, download the Sky Tonight app, a free tool designed to help stargazing. By simply pointing your device towards the sky, this app will effortlessly reveal the names of the planets and provide additional information about each one, ensuring that your celestial observations are accurate and informed.
Where can you observe the planetary alignment
The alignment of the planets will be observable during the early morning hours in almost all regions. However, June 3, 2024 serves as a rough estimate of when alignment will be optimal in most places around the world. The specific date for the best viewing experience may vary by location. To help you further, here is a compilation of various locations around the world and the corresponding dates when the planets will occupy the narrowest section of the sky during this alignment:
- São Paulo: May 27, 43 degree sky sector.
- Sydney: May 28, sky sector 59 degrees;
- Mexico: May 29, 65 degree sky sector;
- Abu Dhabi: May 30, 68 degree sky sector;
- Hong Kong: May 30, 67 degree sky sector;
- Athens: June 2, 72 degree sky sector;
- Tokyo: June 2, 73 degree sky sector;
- New York: June 3, 73 degree sky sector.
It is important to consider that the presence of tall buildings or mountains in your vicinity can obstruct your view of the planets. For an accurate description of how the planets will appear from your specific location on a particular date, simply open the Sky Tonight app, choose the desired date and time using the Time Machine function at the top of the screen and consult the sky map. This map will indicate the precise positions of the celestial bodies according to their coordinates. For a more immersive experience, switch to AR mode to witness the planets blend seamlessly into your surroundings.
The alignment is not limited to a single day, rather, it spans several days before and after the specified date. So, if you missed June 3rd, You don't have to worry, since you can still try to observe the planets on any other day close to that date.
What steps can be taken to observe the next planetary alignment in 2024?
To ensure accurate observation, the first step is to select the right time. It is crucial to determine the sunrise time for your specific location and begin your observations at least an hour before. Sky Tonight app can provide you the sunrise time at your location. Simply access the app, navigate to the calendar and go to the Sky tab. Here you will find a complete display of twilight patterns and the corresponding times for each day. Select the desired date and locate the sunrise time for your location, indicated by the Sun icon and the up arrow. For more information on tools that can make your observation easier, visit .
To ensure accurate viewing, look toward the planets rather than the stars. Despite its apparent simplicity, this task can be tricky. Jupiter, for example, stands out as the most luminous celestial body in the sky, only surpassed by the Moon. The other planets, on the other hand, have a slightly dimmer brightness. A key distinction lies in the fact that the planets, Unlike stars, they do not have a shiny effect. Furthermore, an examination of the night sky over a year reveals that the planets pass through several constellations, while the stars maintain their fixed positions relative to each other.
To determine whether you are observing a planet or a star, the most convenient method is to use the Sky Tonight app. Follow these steps: Step 1: Launch the Sky Tonight app and point your device at the celestial sphere or simply tap the prominent blue button. This application will provide you with a real-time representation of the sky and monitor its position changes.
To continue with the second step, point your device towards the specific area of the sky where the desired object is located. By adjusting the magnitude, you can limit the display to only objects visible to the naked eye. To achieve this, simply tap the bottom panel and slide the top slider over to the icon that looks like an eye.
In the third step, Simply tap the object to instantly see its name on the screen. From there, you can tap the name to access additional information about the object. For more tips on astronomical observation, check out our article on how they affect the visibility of celestial bodies.
For an unobstructed view of the alignment's stunning beauty, look for a location with a pristine dark sky free of light pollution and a clear line of sight to the horizon, free of obstacles such as towering structures or dense foliage.