A graphical representation of the planets of our Solar System aligned according to the distance to the Sun (Getty Images)
Devotee sky watchers and curious early risers can capture an unusual planetary alignment in the dawn sky: five planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, in an arc across the eastern sky and in order of their distance. to the Sun. .
The last time the five planets were aligned in this way was in 2004, according to a press release from the American Astronomical Society.
Those interested should look east about half an hour before sunrise. In the first part of June, especially from June 3 to 4, the bright Venus will not be so far above the horizon, and drawing an elliptical arc to the southeast will reveal red Mars quite close to Jupiter, with Saturn further south at the end of the tail. of the bow.
Mercury will be there in early June, but so low on the horizon that you may not see it without a very clear view of the horizon.
It can also rise so late that it will appear faint in the glare of the rising sun, so a pair of binoculars may be needed, although these five planets are often called “naked-eye planets” because they do not require a telescope. by sight in ideal conditions.
As June progresses, Mercury will rise brighter and brighter before the sun rises, and Jupiter will separate from Mars as Saturn moves even further along the arc.
Possibly the best date to capture the alignment will be June 24, when a crescent moon will be visible between Venus and Mars, a visible substitute for Earth in this procession of the first five planets rising from the Sun.