Spot Six Planets in the Sky: The Final 2023 ‘Planet Parade’

Stargazers have a unique opportunity this week as the second and final “planet parade” of 2023 unfolds in the early morning sky. Before dawn, observers can spot up to six planets, including Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. This celestial event is a spectacular occasion for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

Currently, four planets are visible to the naked eye: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. While the latter three have been visible for several weeks, Mercury joined the display over the weekend, enhancing the phenomenon. As of August 19, Mercury is gaining brightness each night and will reach its peak visibility just above the horizon. Following this, it will gradually sink lower and eventually disappear from view as it succumbs to the dawn’s glare.

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of Neptune and Uranus, these planets remain elusive, requiring telescopes for clear observation. Additionally, Mars will be barely visible during evening twilight, setting shortly after sunset.

What to Expect from the Planet Parade

Canadian astronomy educator Chris Vaughan cautions that while the term “parade” implies a close alignment, the planets will not appear clustered together as seen in AI-generated images circulating on social media. Instead, observers can expect to see bright points of light across the sky. Astronomy columnist Andrew Fazekas emphasizes that this should be viewed as a “wonderful observing challenge” rather than a stunning visual spectacle.

The presence of the crescent moon during this period will serve as a valuable guide for locating the planets. On Tuesday, August 22, the moon will be positioned near Jupiter, followed by a close proximity to Venus on Wednesday, August 23, and Mercury on Thursday, August 24. This celestial arrangement could provide excellent opportunities for photography, according to Vaughan, who notes that the moon’s slim crescent will be particularly striking against the backdrop of the planets.

Optimal Viewing Conditions

To best view the planet parade, enthusiasts should look eastward in the hour leading up to dawn. A clear view of the horizon is essential, especially for spotting Mercury, which will rise around 05:00 and be most visible between 05:30 and 06:00. Fazekas advises looking approximately 45 minutes before sunrise for the best chance to see Mercury before it dips below the horizon.

Venus and Jupiter will be positioned higher in the sky, close to the crescent moon, while Saturn will appear prominently in the south. For those equipped with binoculars or telescopes, Uranus will be near the Pleiades star cluster, and Neptune will be adjacent to Saturn.

The alignment of the planets is a result of their orbits around the sun, which occur within a similar disc-like plane. This phenomenon creates the appearance of planets lining up in an arc across the night sky, akin to observing cars on a racetrack from the track itself, as described by NASA.

The Rarity of Planet Parades

Planet parades are not a common occurrence, typically happening once every few years to once a decade depending on the alignment of the planets. This event marks the second instance of a planet parade in 2023, following a previous display from January to mid-February, where four planets were visible after sunset. For those eager to see all five planets visible to the naked eye at once, mark your calendars for October 2028, when they will align again in the morning sky.

As urban light pollution continues to diminish the visibility of celestial bodies, astronomy enthusiasts are encouraged to seek dark locations for optimal viewing. The beauty of the night sky is a reminder of the wonders that exist beyond our immediate surroundings, making the planet parade a captivating event for all.