Hoosiers who wake up early Monday morning could catch what some have called a “parade of the planets” — an alignment of six planets that takes place in the pre-dawn hours of June 3.
While this is exciting news, avid sky watchers may have to temper their enthusiasm. Most of those planets won’t be visible in the US, according to NASA, which said the next closest thing to a “planetary parade” will happen much later.
Here’s what we know about it and other celestial events in June.
Which six planets will align on June 3, 2024?
The June 3 alignment will consist of Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn. However, experts say most of these planets will be hidden from view.
NASA reveals ‘planet parade’ visibility
As part of its annual monthly skywatching tips, NASA has included a note that dispels notions that the parade of planets will be easy to watch.
“Some online sources have shared excitement over the ‘parade of planets’ visible in the morning sky in early June (especially June 3rd). In fact, only two of the six planets said to be on display will actually be visible – Saturn and Mars. ,” according to a NASA statement, adding that Jupiter and Mercury are unlikely to be visible because they will be at or below the horizon in the morning twilight.
And without binoculars, Uranus and Neptune are too faint to be seen with the naked eye, NASA said, especially when the morning sky brightens.
What planets can I see aligned in Indiana on June 3rd?
The planetary alignment will be visible across the northern hemisphere toward the eastern sky, weather permitting, but bring binoculars, suggested Brian Murphy, Butler University professor of physics and astronomy.
“With a clear northeast horizon and possibly binoculars, one should be able to pick up Jupiter and Mercury,” Murphy said in a report to IndyStar. “The Moon, Mars and Saturn shouldn’t be a problem because they appear far from the Sun in the sky. In fact, they can be seen long before sunrise.”
However, Venus and many other planets in the alignment will be nearly impossible to see because of their proximity to the Sun, Murphy said.
What time do the planets align?
Settlement will occur on June 3, 2024, just before dawn. Murphy said the best time to watch the sky will be 15-30 minutes before sunrise.
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What is the weather forecast for Central Indiana on June 3rd?
Friday will be partly cloudy Sunday night with a low around 62, according to the National Weather Service for Central Indiana. Monday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 85, south winds 3 to 8 mph and a 30% chance of showers after 2 p.m., and thunderstorms
Do you need binoculars or binoculars to see the planets?
Experts say you’ll at least need a high-powered telescope to see most of the planets—Mercury and Jupiter will be extremely low in the sky. Uranus will be relatively faint and Neptune will look like a telescope star due to its distance from Earth. But Mars and Saturn should be visible with the naked eye.
NASA says the next “planet parade” is happening in late June
The closest the next “planet parade,” NASA says, will happen on June 29, 2024, when Saturn, the Moon, Mars and Jupiter line up in the morning sky.
How does planetary alignment occur?
The planets in our solar system continuously revolve around the Sun. Over time they slowly catch up and travel along the same path, the ecliptic. From our view of Earth, they sometimes appear aligned, according to NASA. However, the alignment formation will be short-lived because each planet moves at different speeds depending on its distance from the Sun.
How rare are planetary alignments?
Planetary alignments are not extremely rare, especially with two to four planets. They occur several times a year. This is less common when five or more planets align. The last planetary alignment observed in the Northern Hemisphere occurred on April 8.
Here’s a quick look at the planets aligned on June 3rd.
Astronomical events taking place in June
Skywatchers should keep the following dates in mind for June 2024, according to NASA.
◾ June 3: The crescent Moon sits below Mars in the morning twilight. Look for them low in the eastern sky.
◾ June 6: New month.
◾ June 21: Full moon.
◾ June 24th: Jupiter is now visible low in the east before sunrise. This last week of June, look for a bright planet about 10 degrees above the horizon, forming a line with Mars and Saturn that stretches toward the south.
◾ June 27: Look for the Moon rising in the east with Saturn around midnight. You’ll find them high in the southern sky at dawn this morning. They appear very close together – close enough to appear in the same field of view through binoculars.
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John Tufts covers trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com.