Planet parade: When and where to see 5 planets aligned in Fort Collins
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We recently had the rare event of seeing Northern Lights from Fort Collins, and Tuesday evening will bring another uncommon sky event that will be easy to see: a parade of planets.
Here's what you need to know, according to Bill Cooke, NASA astronomer:
What planets will I be able to see?
Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus and Mars will align near the moon.
When will the best viewing take place?
On Tuesday, March 28, just after sunset, which is 7:20 p.m. MDT, look to the western horizon. The planets will arc from the horizon halfway into the sky. Timing is critical because the two lowest planets, Mercury and Jupiter, will sink below the horizon about 30 minutes after sunset.
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Will the sky be clear enough to see the planets in Fort Collins?
Hopefully. Sunny skies will give way to partly cloudy skies around sunset, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
How do I tell which planet is which in the alignment?
Jupiter and Mercury will be closest to the horizon. Mars — look for the reddish glow — will be next to the moon. Venus will be the brightest planet, and Uranus will appear as a "greenish star'' above the moon. Jupiter, Venus and Mars will be the easiest to see as they will be shining brightest.
Do I need anything special to see the parade of planets?
You will at least want binoculars because Mercury and Uranus will be more difficult to spot since they will be dimmer. A telescope will enhance the viewing. Finding a dark location from which to watch is helpful but not necessary.
How often does a five-planet alignment happen?
About every couple of years on average. However, the last five-planet lineup occurred last summer. Another five-planet alignment of Mercury, Uranus, Jupiter, Neptune and Saturn will take place June 17.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Five-planet alignment is March 28: Where to look in the Colorado sky
