A smiley face in Michigan's sky? When to see a 'triple conjunction' this week
Early risers, you could glimpse a "smiley face" over Michigan this week.
A rare formation — a triple conjunction — will take place as Saturn and Venus align with the crescent moon on Friday, April 25, appearing in a triangula shape — similar to a smiley face — according to science news website Live Science. You'll have to turn your head sideways to view the smile, experts say.
Here's what to know.
The triple conjunction is April 25, 2025. The alignment will occur in the predawn hours, at about 5:30 a.m., Live Science said.
A planetary conjunction occurs when two or more planets appear close together when viewed from Earth, according to The Planetary Society. In a triple conjunction, three celestial objects appear close together in the sky, Live Science says.
More: When is Lyrid meteor shower? When the fireballs will be visible over Michigan
In the upcoming triple conjunction, Venus and Saturn will be near the crescent moon in the sky, NASA said. Mercury will be close to the horizon and Neptune will be between the moon and Saturn, though the two planets may be difficult to see, explained EarthSky, an astronomy news website.
Venus, Saturn and the moon will align in a triangular shape, USA TODAY reported. Venus and Saturn will form the eyes, with the crescent moon providing the mouth. However, Venus will look brighter than Saturn, EarthSky said. Live Science says both planets will be visible.
The moon is in its waning crescent phase, at 7% illumination on April 25, according to lunar website Moon Giant.
Look for a clear, open area to view the smiley face formation in Michigan's skies. Michigan is home to six dark sky state parks, three international dark sky parks and an international dark sky sanctuary.
The Alpena area has three Dark Sky Preserves: Rockport State Recreation Area, Thompson's Harbor State Park and Negwegon State Park.
In Mackinaw City, Headlands International Dark Sky Park, 15675 Headlands Road.
In Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 9922 Front St.
In Munising, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
In Paradise, the Great Lakes Museum and Whitefish Point Light Station, 18335 N. Whitefish Point Road, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park at 41382 W. M-123.
In Port Austin, Port Crescent State Park, 1775 Port Austin Road.
In Clayton, Lake Hudson Recreation Area, 5505 Morey Hwy.
In Carp Lake, Wilderness State Park, 903 Wilderness Park Drive.
Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Keweenaw County and Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County are international spots. And, finally, the Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area is an international sanctuary.
The Lyrid meteor shower was set to peak April 21-22, but some meteors still should be visible through April 26.
The Flower Moon, May's full moon, peaks May 12, 2025.
More: When are the full moons of 2025 in Michigan? Here's what to know
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is set to peak May 5-6, 2025.
USA TODAY contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: A smiley face will appear in the early morning April 25. Where to look in Michigan's sky
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