A rare celestial event will grace Southern California skies this Friday as all seven planets in our solar system (besides Earth) appear to line up in formation - a phenomenon known as a "planet parade."
While the prospect of seeing seven planets simultaneously is exciting, experts caution that viewing the complete lineup will be challenging, especially from urban areas like Los Angeles, where a shift in weather patterns is bringing cooler temperatures and gusty winds to Southern California.
"People should not expect to see these planets strung like pearls across the sky," says Ed Krupp, director of Griffith Observatory. He notes that some planets will require optical aid and Los Angeles' light pollution and air conditions will affect visibility.
According to NASA, about five planets may be visible without a telescope: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Venus, Mars and Jupiter will appear brightest, says Lisa Will, astronomy professor at San Diego Community College.
The best viewing time is shortly after sunset on Friday, when the planets will be visible approximately 10 degrees above the horizon. However, Mercury will be particularly difficult to spot with the naked eye due to its proximity to the sun.
For optimal viewing:
- Find a location away from city lights
- Choose an area with clear skies and unobstructed views
- Look westward shortly after sunset
- Use binoculars or a telescope if available
- Consider using a stargazing app to help locate the planets
Uranus and Neptune, which orbit in the outer solar system, will be nearly impossible to see without a telescope due to their distance and dim appearance.
The next opportunity to see a planetary parade will be in late August, when four planets will be visible before sunrise. After that, sky watchers will need to wait until October 2028 for the next major alignment.
"You want people to have the direct experience of those photons from those objects going into their eyes and knowing what they're looking at," says Krupp, who recommends visiting observatories like Griffith for guided viewing through telescopes.
While the complete seven-planet lineup may prove elusive for most viewers, the chance to spot several bright planets simultaneously offers a unique window into our cosmic neighborhood.