Last chance to attend the astronomical phenomenon of this start of the year! The alignment of six planets started on January 20 will end during the night of this Saturday, January 25. We take stock to allow everyone, including amateur astronomers, to see them well.
What is an alignment of planets?
No need to search for a line of light points, like the Starlink satellites of Elon Musk which form a luminous train which often surprises during its passage in our sky. The term alignment can be a little trashy, because the planets do not really form a line.
It corresponds to a case where several planets gather in the same portion of the solar system, and are therefore visible in a portion close to the solar system seen from the earth.
The rarity of the phenomenon depends of course on the number of planets. “On May 19, 2161, all the planets of the solar system, including the Earth, will gather on one side of the sun,” predicts the astronomical guide Starwalk for the most spectacular occurrence, which will not a priori be more 'Between us.
What to expect this time?
Six planets are aligned in the night sky right now. The best time to observe them? After sunset. “Aim Venusa very brilliant lighthouse in the southwest, ”explains Bernard Chevalier, president of the astronomical company in Lyon.
“Around Venus, you can also see Saturn slightly below. This is a point, like a star but who does not sparkle. Neptune is in the same area, but more difficult to see. »»
During this alignment, the planets will seem to follow the ecliptic, the apparent trajectory of the sun west to east. These will therefore be the first to bed around 8:30 p.m.
At the beginning of the night, Jupiter will be very visible on the other side of the sky, while it will be impossible to see the blue ball ofUranus Without astronomical telescope. “” Mars is also interesting to see, ”promises Bernard Chevalier. “She has a cycle of about two years, and right now she is closest to the earth. With a small telescope you can see the caps. »»
-Where to best see the alignment of planets?
We are not going to reveal you well kept great secrets, because there are not really. Getting away from cities, and therefore light sources, is always obvious.
Finding a clear place in the southwest is also a good idea. “Even if the planets will be high enough to be visible above a building,” concedes Bernard Chevalier.
Having equipment is not even necessary. Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are indeed visible to the naked eye, while Neptune and Uranus can be seen with binoculars, even if it should not be expected than points.
As long as you are outside and you look at the sky, you can also take the opportunity to look for other celestial objects. “You will have the opportunity to discover the constellations like the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper, famous objects such as the open cluster of the Pleiades or the Andromeda galaxy (if it is very dark),” said the observatory from the Côte d'Azur.
You can in particular get help by applications on your phone, such as Stellarium, Skysafari, Skyview or Nightsky, which simulate the sky to your location to help you find what you are looking for in the sky.
