With the stresses on planet Earth in the headlines, at work and your day-to-day life, do you need a reminder that we’re just a speck on a dot in the endless vacuum of space? If so, today’s your day.
On Friday, just before dusk, an astronomical event unofficially known as a “Planetary Parade,” or “Planetary Alignment,” will be most visible from Earth.
According to NASA, many will have the chance to see Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn when looking to the west on Friday evening. Mercury will also be present, although it’ll be tough to see with the naked eye.
Of course, the phenomenon will only be visible on a clear night sky, but if the weather is permitting, the four — maybe five — planets will appear in a straight line.
The fact that the planets are lined up isn’t unusual — in fact, NASA says that’s the regular alignment. But since the Earth is orbiting around the sun, the perspective needed to see these five planets aligned is rare.
If you’re going to miss this Planetary Parade, you’re in luck. There’s another that’s likely to occur this August. But after that, the next to occur isn’t until October 2028, according to NASA.
