This Saturday, the 28th, six planets will be “aligned” in the sky shortly after sunset. They will appear in the same strip of sky, in the west, where the Sun sets, and will be visible near the horizon.
The term “alignment” is the most popular, but the planets are not actually in a straight line in space. Since they orbit approximately in the same plane, called the ecliptic, they may appear to be grouped together when viewed from Earth, creating this eye-catching visual effect.
The planets that will be seen in the phenomenon are: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Some will be easier to observe. Jupiter and Venus are usually the brightest and most visible to the naked eye. Saturn and Mercury may also appear, but they will be closer to the horizon, which can make them difficult to see. Uranus and Neptune are more challenging: they require a darker sky or the use of binoculars or a telescope.
How to know the best time?
To find out the ideal time in your region, check the exact sunset time on a weather forecast app. It is best to start observing shortly after sunset, taking advantage of the first minutes of twilight.
Will it be possible to see it from São Paulo?
Yes. After sunset, just look west (the side where the Sun disappears).
If the weather is cloudy or there is a lot of light pollution, viewing may be more difficult. Whenever possible, choose a location with a more open horizon.