This March brought a unique opportunity for sky gazers as multiple planets have aligned in the evening sky at the same time. While technically seven planets are above the horizon simultaneously, only three–Venus, Jupiter and Mars–are easily visible to the naked eye. These events called “planetary parades” by NASA do not happen every year.
According to Kate Dellenbusch, BGSU teaching professor and planetarium director, “Technically seven planets are above the horizon at the same time these days, but in reality, it is very difficult to see all of them. Only three are bright and easily seen with the naked eye.”
Venus, the brightest of the three, has been shining low in the western sky shortly after sunset, though it is gradually dipping lower and becoming more difficult to see. Meanwhile, Jupiter and Mars appear high overhead around 9 p.m., continuing to dominate the evening sky.
“Venus will be getting lower each night and will become more and more difficult to see over the next couple of weeks. Jupiter and Mars will continue to be visible in the evening sky over the next few months,” Dellenbusch said.
For those with binoculars or telescopes, Uranus has also been visible in the evening sky before midnight, though urban light pollution makes viewing challenging. Mercury and Saturn, though technically present, are near the Sun and require a clear western horizon to spot just after sunset.
“Mercury will become a bit easier to see over the next week or so as it gets a bit higher but will still be difficult to see near the western horizon at dusk,” Dellenbusch said.
Neptune, the final planet in this lineup, remains too close to the Sun to be seen without specialized equipment.
This planetary alignment, which has already been dazzling skywatchers, is not an everyday occurrence, though it isn’t considered particularly rare either.
“This is a fun opportunity to see several easily visible planets all at the same time. It isn’t particularly rare though, and three to five planets can be seen at the same time in the sky every few years,” Dellenbusch said.
The Bowling Green State University Planetarium has been highlighting the visible planets in their star talks before each planetarium show this semester. Additionally, public stargazing sessions have been taking place on clear Sunday, Tuesday and Friday evenings on the rooftop of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building. Sunday evening planetarium shows have also been followed by stargazing, weather permitting.
For those interested in tracking the planetary lineup and identifying planets in the night sky, Dellenbusch recommends EarthSky.org which offers helpful sky charts and updates.
