Space lovers and explorers would love what the month of June is in store for them – a rare five-planet alignment.
In the early hours on the morning of June 3, Friday, the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will align.
The phenomenon was last observed in 2004. This time around, Mercury and Saturn will appear closer, says Sky & Telescope.
Stargazers need to have binoculars to see the event and should draw their attention to the eastern horizon. Going into June, planet Mercury will turn brighter and brighter, says the observing editor of Sky & telescope.
All the other planets will then be visible to the naked eye.
According to space magazine, the best time to see the phenomenon is 30 minutes before the sun rises. Stargazers should check the calendars or schedules to see what time the sun rises in their area. Further, a clear horizon is a must.
Viewers living in the Northern Hemisphere can witness the planets from the eastern to the southeastern horizon, while those in the opposite hemisphere should see the planets on the eastern to the northeastern horizon.
Full Moons
On June 24, the waning crescent moon will also fall on alignment between planets Venus and Mars. In addition, seven more full moons gracing the night sky, says The Old Farmer’s Almanac:
- June 14: Strawberry moon
- July 13: Buck moon
- August 11: Sturgeon moon
- September 10: Harvest moon
- October 9: Hunter’s moon
- November 8: Beaver moon
- December 7: Cold moon
Eclipses
The Old Farmer’s Almanac said that there would be one lunar eclipse and a partial solar eclipse in 2022.
Partial Solar eclipses happen when the moon goes in front of the sun, blocking its light partially. The partial solar eclipse this year will occur on October 25 and will be visible in these areas:
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Europe
- Northeastern Africa
- Middle East
- Western Asia
- India
- Western China
Meanwhile, the total lunar eclipse will happen on November 8, between 3:01 AM ET and 8:58 AM ET, and it will be visible in these regions:
- Asia
- Australia
- Pacific
- South America
- North America
Meteor Showers
There are 11 more meteor showers projected to light the night skies in 2022:
- Southern delta Aquariids: July 29 to 30
- Alpha Capricornids: July 30 to 31
- Perseids: August 11 to 12
- Orionids: October 20 to 21
- Southern Taurids: November 4 to 5
- Northern Taurids: November 11 to 12
- Leonids: November 17 to 18
- Geminids: December 13 to 14
- Ursids: December 21 to 22
The best view for watching meteor showers and other space phenomenon are in places that do not have many lights coming from the city.
