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Bengaluru residents have a rare chance to witness a spectacular celestial event as six planets align in the night sky, creating a 'planetary parade.' According to Chrisphin Karthick, a scientist from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, this alignment is already at its peak and will remain visible until February 13, with the best views expected before January 21.
The planets align along the ecliptic plane, stretching from the eastern to the western skies. However, contrary to some social media claims, these planets are not perfectly aligned in a straight line, Karthick clarified.
Planets Visible Without Telescopes
B R Guruprasad, director of Bengaluru's Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, shared that Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn can all be seen with the naked eye. Venus, the brightest among them, appears as a white dot, while Mars displays a reddish hue. Saturn is faint, and Jupiter also appears as a bright white dot, making them easy to spot.
For those with binoculars, Jupiter's four moons can be seen, according to Vijay Kapoor, founder of the Bangalore Astronomy Club. However, viewing Uranus and Neptune requires a telescope. Mercury will also join this alignment soon, becoming more visible by March 8, added Guruprasad.
Best Places and Times to Watch
Karthick recommends observing the planets around 7:30 pm, shortly after sunset, for the best experience. Ideal locations free from pollution and tall buildings, like Nandi Hills, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu, provide unobstructed views of the sky. Clear weather is essential to enjoy this breathtaking alignment fully.
Stargazing Tours for Astronomy Enthusiasts
For those looking for a guided experience, stargazing tours are being organized in and around Bengaluru. RiSa Astronomy is hosting excursions to Kodagu and Denkanikottai on January 24 and 25, featuring advanced equipment like streaming and solar telescopes. Similarly, The Great Beyond is planning trips to Chikkaballapur on January 25 and 26, offering multiple telescopes for observing both day and night skies.
A Unique Celestial Opportunity
This planetary parade is a rare event, offering a wonderful opportunity for both amateur and experienced astronomers to marvel at the beauty of our solar system. With the right conditions, viewers can enjoy a spectacular show of planets and even glimpse some moons, making this an unforgettable astronomical experience for Bengaluru.
Witness this celestial wonder and take advantage of clear skies to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime planetary display.
