We’ve been treated to all sorts of magical scenes in the night sky this year. From a handful of sightings of the northern lights to a dazzling planetary conjunction, stargazers have had a lot to get excited about. Now, another rare astrological event is about to occur, with five planets set to form a majestic arc in the sky.
Keen to snatch a sight of the five planets lining up this weekend? You’ll probably want to dust off those binoculars. Here’s everything you need to know.
Which planets will align in June 2023?
Mercury, Uranus, Jupiter, Neptune and Saturn will line up to form an arc in the sky on Saturday, June 17.
What time will all 5 planets be visible?
Set your alarms. On Saturday, June 17, all five planets will line up at dawn. They should be visible around one hour before sunrise.
How can I watch?
Visibility will largely depend on where you are. For optimal viewing, you’ll need to be somewhere cloudless with an unobstructed view of the western horizon.
Jupiter and Saturn will be easy to spot, but Neptune and Uranus may require binoculars and Mercury will only be visible for a short space of time. Apps such as Sky Tonight or SkySafari can help you determine exactly where each planet is.
What is the spiritual meaning of the planetary alignment?
It is thought that the alignment of the planets symbolises spiritual harmony, purpose, and introspection.
How often do alignments occur?
Alignments of inner planets can occur as regularly as every few months. Alignments of the slower outer planets – Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune – occur less often.
The next five planet alignment will take place on April 20, 2024, with Venus, Mercury, Neptune, Mars, and Saturn.
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