Until early next month, seven of our solar system’s planets will be visible from earth as a spectacular planetary alignment decorates the sky.
How does a planet parade occur?
A planet parade, also known as a planetary alignment, happens when four or more planets appear to line up in the night sky.
NASA has referred to the phenomenon as a “parade of planets”, however it doesn’t actually mean the planets are in a perfect queue.
Planets can’t ever fully line up but they can sit on the same side of the sun and look very close to queueing up.
“The planets are not actually getting closer to each other in space, but their positions in the sky seem to change from our perspective here on Earth,” explained Dr. Allen.
“This path is called the ecliptic and forms the line we see the sun rise and set on. All planets follow this path too.
“While they orbit at different distances from the sun, they travel along relatively the same plane as earth.”
