A new spectacle in the sky will occur in a few hours. Six planets from our solar system will be visible in the same part of the sky. From January 20 to 25, it will be possible to see Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune “from sunset”, writes the Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur (OCA) on its website.
From 6:30 p.m. this Monday
However, with the naked eye, only four of these planets can be observed. The two blue giants, Uranus and Neptune, will require a telescope or at least a pair of binoculars. Due to variable sunset times, you will need to be ready at 6:30 p.m. in Nice, 6:50 p.m. in Paris and 7:10 p.m. in Brest. You will only have until 8:30 p.m. Because after this time, Venus and Saturn will no longer be visible.
“Due to the rotation of the Earth on itself, the planets will then move gently towards the west where they will set; Venus and Saturn first, around 8:30 p.m.; and Mars bringing up the rear at the very end of the night,” indicates the OCA. To enjoy the show, it is best to get away from city lights.
How to see them
The easiest to identify will be Venus and Jupiter because they have large magnitudes. Mars, which will be in the East, can be spotted due to its reddish color. To distinguish a star from a planet, we must remember that suns twinkle while planets shine. They only reflect the light. The best thing is to refer to a sky map so you don't miss anything at the moment.
-Another astronomical appointment is to be made around February 28. Another planet will invite itself into the same plane of the ecliptic. Little Mercury will also be noticed.
