June's Celestial Event: Planets Aligning In North Dakota's Sky

A striking celestial event is set to grace the early-morning skies of North Dakota next month, but you may need a little help to view it.

According to Astronamy.com he spectacle is already beginning — step outside tomorrow morning to witness it for yourself.

In the current morning sky, residents of North Dakota may have already noticed Mars and Saturn in the east before dawn. Mars is now traversing through Cetus and will soon enter Pisces, while Saturn hovers in Aquarius, shining brighter than the surrounding stars.

The distant ice giant Neptune, though too faint to see with the naked eye, lies between Mars and Saturn in Pisces. Additionally, Mercury is now rising about 50 minutes before the Sun, sharing the constellation Pisces.

While Venus is approaching its superior conjunction with the Sun, rendering it invisible this month and next, Jupiter and Uranus are preparing to make their appearance, hidden from view within the Sun's glare.

Get our free mobile app

Fast forward to early June in North Dakota.

On June 3, Jupiter and Uranus will join the planetary lineup, creating a stunning vista in the pre-dawn sky.

All six planets will form a straight line stretching from Jupiter in the east to Saturn in the west. Around 20 minutes before sunrise, all six planets should be visible, although Uranus and Neptune may require binoculars or a telescope to spot due to their faintness. The Moon will also grace the scene, positioned to the lower left of Mars.

The following morning, June 4, the crescent Moon will align more closely with Mars, while Mercury and Jupiter form a close conjunction. By June 5, Mercury will replace Jupiter as the easternmost point in the lineup, with the Moon positioned above the pair.

As June progresses, Mercury will disappear from view before reappearing in the evening sky, leaving five planets in the pre-dawn lineup. Nevertheless, the planetary alignment will remain impressive, stretching nearly 80° from Jupiter to Saturn by June 30, when the Moon once again joins the lineup.

These planetary lineups are not uncommon, but they are always a sight to behold. So, set your alarm a bit early, step outside, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the solar system from your doorstep in North Dakota.

30 Country Stars You Won't Believe Aren't Grand Ole Opry Members

Fifteen living CMA or ACM Entertainers of the Year are not members of the Grand Ole Opry, and a few of them barely recognize the vaunted stage. George Strait, Kenny Chesney and Willie Nelson are three legends who rarely play the Grand Ole Opry. Why?

That answer is often difficult to determine, but this list suggests reasons where appropriate. Membership into the Grand Ole Opry comes with an obligation to play the show frequently, but that's often set aside (Barbara Mandrell is an inactive member, for example). Only living artists are considered, and once a member dies, they are no longer a member.

For that reason, we've not included any country legends who've passed. That eliminates Toby Keith.

As of 2023, there are more than 70 members of the Grand Ole Opry. Historically, nearly 250 men, women and groups were members — so, it's a select group that excludes several Country Music Hall of Famers.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

18 Married Couples Who Are in Bands Together

Get ready to groove with these power duos! These are married couples who are in bands together. From sweet harmonies to synchronized guitar solos, these lovebirds prove that the couple who plays together stays together. Check out our list of happily-ever-after bands!

Gallery Credit: Philip Trapp