Six planets seen in ‘parade’ this weekend – together with uncommon likelihood to identify Uranus
It is set to appear to Brits in a ‘planetary parade’ alongside Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, and Jupiter this weekend
We have a rare chance to spot Uranus this weekend(Image: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)
A rare chance to see Uranus is looming this weekend, boffins say. It will appear in a ‘planetary parade’ alongside Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, and Jupiter.
The alignment will be best viewed from the west of Britain just after sunset on Saturday and Sunday.
Experts say looking out over the sea is ideal or watching from a tall building with an unobstructed view.
Despite orbiting at different speeds and distances from the Sun there are moments when the planets appear to line up from Earth’s perspective. Venus will be exceptionally bright with Mercury much fainter but visible a little higher to the west.
Saturn is higher again to the east of Venus while Neptune sits in the middle although it will be difficult to see without a telescope or binoculars.
Uranus and Jupiter will lie further to the east of Venus.
Jupiter will be particularly bright and near the Moon.
Uranus will be the toughest to see with the naked eye.
Dr David Armstrong, associate professor in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Group at the University of Warwick, said: “The planets will be visible for an hour or so after sunset, though some will stay up for longer, so this is one of the most convenient opportunities for several years.”
Experts said that people with binoculars or a small telescope may be able to spot Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings.
Four of Jupiter’s moons can sometimes be seen as bright points of light near the planet.
Apps such as Stellarium or SkyView can also help to locate the planets.
Professor Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society, said: “You are going to need to look for this almost immediately after sunset but I should stress not before sunset because I don’t want people damaging their eyes.
“It’s going to really help if you’ve got a pair of binoculars.
“Venus is very, very low at that point but also very bright so that might be a bit of a signpost.
“Maybe if you are in a tall building, it will help or somewhere over the sea.”
