When is the last chance to see the moon in the planet parade? Here's what to know
Did you miss the planetary parade? Well, Thursday, Aug. 21, is the last day to see it, along with the crescent moon.
Usually, people can look up at the bright sky and spot at least one planet. Two or three planets are also commonly hanging out in the night sky, according to NASA. But what about when four, five or even six planets are visible?
As Mercury will be more difficult to see the further we get to the end of August, only a few of the planets will be visible with the naked eye.
Here's what you should know about the planetary alignment, also known as the planetary parade or planet parade, and what you need to see it.
When is the last chance to see the planet parade with the moon?
According to new information on SkySafari 6 Pro, a program used to predict the placement of stars and planets, Thursday, Aug. 21, is the last chance for people to see the planetary parade, which includes the crescent moon.
The moon won't be there for the following days, but the planetary parade will march on in the sky throughout the end of August, according to NASA.
While Mercury will remain low on the eastern horizon, it will rise just before sunrise until Tuesday, Sept. 2. However, it could be difficult to see because the light from the sun might hide it.
The planet parade will include Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus.
Aug. 21 is the last day the moon will be included in the parade, and it will line up with Mercury.
The moon will be a waning crescent and will be around 4.7% full, NASA advised.
The planetary parade will be visible around 45 minutes before sunrise, and the next one is not expected to happen until Feb. 2026, according to Starwalk.
What will you be able to see?
Six of the seven planets visible from Earth will be in the night sky if you're looking at the right time.
"You can actually see all of them if you have, of course, binoculars and telescopes handy," said Andrew Fazekas, the communications manager for Astronomers Without Borders.
You will be able to see the following during the planetary parade:
What is a planetary parade?
When multiple planets are visible in the night sky, people refer to it as a planetary alignment or parade, according to NASA. They can create an optical illusion that looks like there is a straight line.
True planetary alignment is virtually impossible.
"The term planetary parade is a colloquial term. It's not an official astronomical one," said Fazekas. "It just simply means that the planets are visible in, generally, the same area of the sky."
Tips for viewing the planetary parade
Fazekas advises people to do the following when trying to see the planets in the coming days:
Also, be sure to pack any mosquito repellent and check the weather ahead of time to make sure skies are clear.
Contributing: Carlie Procell, Janet Loehrke; USA TODAY
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com
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