Amazing 5-Planet Alignment Putting on Lengthy Show. Here Are Viewing Tips

, this particular grouping is special in that the planets are appearing in the same order as their position in the solar system, a far rarer occurrence and one that won’t happen again until 2040. — Be prepared to lose a little sleep. The planets are best visible an hour before sunrise. Sunrise in Chicago currently occurs at approximately 5:15 a.m., so set the alarm and grab a seat for the planet parade at 4:15 a.m.

— Find an observation spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon, because Mercury is hanging quite low. If you have buildings, trees or utility wires blocking your sightlines, you might have to content yourself with just four planets. Don’t feel bad —— The planets are arrayed east to south. Look for Mercury low in the east and then scan southeast to south, not in a straight line. Venus is the brightest of the planets, Mars is reddish and Saturn is likely to be the faintest.

— Don’t know a planet from a star? Let the moon be your guide. The satellite recently joined the show and has been working its way across the planets. On June 24, the moon will appear between Mars and Venus, metaphorically standing in for Earth. By June 27, the crescent moon will be to the left of Mercury, essentially at the head of the line, making it easier to spot the planets.

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