Four planets in our solar system are set to be in line on June 24, 2022.
Venus will be in the ESE about 6 degrees above the horizon at 04:30, while Mars and Jupiter will be 15 degrees high and Saturn about 20 degrees, aligned at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizon to the west of the sun, along with the crescent moon.
These planets will all be bright enough to be seen with the naked eye, and they will align in order before sunrise near the end of June.
However, at the start of the month, you can already get a taste of a planetary parade.
On the morning of June 4, all planets in the solar system will line up in an ascending straight line spanning 91 degrees from the sun. However, Mercury will break the horizon by 5:00 am.
Michelle Nichols, director of public observing at Chicago's Adler Planetarium said, "We don't always get this opportunity. Sometimes, it's one or two in the sky; a lot of times, it's none."
The line of these planets is close to the ecliptic, which is the path the sun takes through the sky as we orbit.
This planetary alignment doesn't necessarily mean that all of the planets are "lined up," instead, it just means that some planets are in the same general region in the sky. This almost never happens to all the planets, but instead happens to two or three planets at one time.
Most of the time, only the brightest planets align in a row that looks like a necklace. However, this only happens roughly every 50 years. In April 2000, Jupiter, Mercury, Saturn, Mars, and Venus all appeared above the western horizon in this alignment. And it's likely that we'll see something like that again in 2040.
Also Read: Venus and Jupiter Will Align In A Dazzling Morning Spectacle; Find out How and When to Watch!
What Happens When Planets Align?
In astrology, a pseudo-science, it is believed that when these planets align in a straight line with the sun, it would be the greatest fortune for the universe, or it will be the greatest disaster.
On the other hand, in astronomy, when planets align in a straight line, it has no effects on Earth whatsoever. According to NASA, the next alignment of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus, and Mercury will happen around September 8, 2040.
How To See These Planets in June 2022
The best time to see the alignment will vary based on local circumstances. If you are on a flat horizon to the east, Mercury will be visible as early as June 10. However, those with a more obstructed view may have to wait until late June for a peek. The alignment will be visible into early July. when Mercury will again dip below the horizon.
For those in North America, the best way to see is to go outside and look to the south and east about 45 minutes before dawn local time in late June. By doing so, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will all be visible to the naked eye.
Related Article: Planetary Alignment 2022: How To Watch This Rare 1000-Year Space Event? Best Place and Other Details
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Written by April Fowell
