Rare Celestial Event: Witness 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.
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.
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