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Planetary parade: When to see the rare event in the UK skies

Planetary parade: When to see the rare event in the UK skies

Stargazers have already been treated to one rare planetary parade this year, when Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune could all be seen in the sky at once in January.
Then, in February, Mercury joined the party to form a "grand planet parade" where all seven planets were pictured above the horizon at the same time.
But if you missed any of these, there's another planet parade is on its way.
Later this month, six planets and the moon will line up in the night sky.
Four of them – Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn – will be visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune can be spotted through binoculars or a small telescope.
The planet parade will take place on the morning of August 18.
The alignment will be visible for about 45 minutes before sunrise at around 6am, according to The Farmers' Almanac.
The Perseid meteor shower is also set to peak around this time, which could mean that stargazers spot 'shooting stars' too.
Mercury will be the lowest planet in the eastern sky, sitting close to the horizon, meaning that you would need to get away from tall trees or buildings to get a good view.
Above and to the left of Mercury will be Venus, the brightest planet in the night sky.
Recommended Reading:
Northern Lights to be visible in the UK this weekend
How can you take a photo of the Northern Lights? (A guide for beginners)
BBC and Met Office to join forces to deliver UK's 'most-trusted' weather service
The waning crescent moon will be not too far from Uranus. This is best viewed through a small telescope.
Over in the southwestern sky, Saturn will be shining brighter at a magnitude of 0.75, with Neptune also visible to those with binoculars or a telescope.
Before the dazzling parade, the Sturgeon Moon will also rise. This will take place on August 9.
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