This Saturday evening, as the sky transitions from sunset to starlight, a breathtaking celestial event is set to captivate skywatchers. An extraordinary alignment of six planets offers a rare treat for those ready to look up and embrace the cosmic spectacle. The starry scene promises the visibility of Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn to the naked eye, with Neptune and Uranus observable with the aid of binoculars or a telescope. According to experts Kelly Kizer Whitt and Deborah Byrd from EarthSky.org, the conditions this weekend are particularly favorable for planet-watching.
The clear, cold air mass currently over the Spokane area is expected to provide a crisp backdrop, perfect for observing the skies. “We are under a dryer, colder air mass right now,” confirms Valerie Thaler, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service at Spokane International Airport. “The skies will be generally clear, with just a slight chance of light clouds north of Spokane.”
To catch the best view, start looking west just after sunset. Venus will be immediately noticeable, shining brighter than any star in the sky. “In late January, you’ll find Saturn between Venus and the horizon,” explain Whitt and Byrd. “Saturn is sinking toward the sunset, which will make it harder to spot in February.” As darkness deepens, Jupiter, bright and dominant, will appear higher in the sky than either Venus or Saturn. Mars, with its distinctive reddish hue, will rise in the east shortly after dark.
The Alignment: A Loosely Strung Symphony of Planets
While a perfect linear alignment might be a rarity, this Saturday, the planets will align loosely across the sky. “The planets, when visible, can loosely be defined as being in a line,” note Whitt and Byrd. However, they clarify that this alignment is not in a straight line but rather a series of illuminated points strewn across the evening sky, creating a breathtaking visual.
The Challenge of the Dimmer Worlds
For those with a penchant for challenges, spotting the dimmer planets, Neptune and Uranus, will require some assistance. “In the general vicinity of Jupiter, you’ll see a fuzzy, dipper-shaped cluster of stars known as the Pleiades, or Seven Sisters. Uranus is not too far away from this cluster,” detail Whitt and Byrd. Neptune, even dimmer and more elusive, will be near Venus and Saturn, presenting a delightful challenge for avid stargazers.
A Celestial Phenomenon Worth Watching
This Saturday’s planetary display is not just an ordinary celestial event but a spectacular showcase that occurs under uniquely favorable conditions. The alignment offers a wonderful opportunity for families, enthusiasts, and photographers to witness the beauty of the solar system’s giants in one night. As the experts at EarthSky, with nearly five decades of experience, suggest, such alignments are rare and the term ‘great planetary alignment’ may often be thrown around, but truly appreciating the beauty of several bright planets sprawled across our sky is what makes events like these special.