In April 2022, Earth will welcome a spring planetary parade of five planets. Astronomers will have multiple chances to spot Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus in the sky. It’s an inspiring moment for budding astronomers as they get a good look at some of our solar system’s inhabitants.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a planet like Venus visible from Earth. This is a welcome event, however, and people new to astronomy will want to take advantage of the opportunity to even witness many events with just the naked eye or at most a set of binoculars.
How to watch the start of April’s planetary cruise
Since Venus will rise over the southeastern horizon in early April, those looking to make the most of the upcoming planetary cruise will be able to see the planet. It is reported that the planet will be visible at magnitude -4.2. In the northern hemisphere, it will be visible in the sky 80 minutes before the sun rises.
Around the same time, you will also be able to see Mars and Saturn. Looking southwest of Venus at twilight reveals Mars and Saturn, shining at magnitudes +1.1 and +0.9, respectively, according to Sky at Night magazine. As the morning approaches, though, expect the planet’s parade to change as Venus moves east.
As the month continues, one will be able to capture the 6% illuminated crescent close to Uranus. A look at the sky on April 3 should reveal that the planet is about 1.1 degrees from the center of the moon. In a few days, on April 5, Mars and Saturn will appear about 19 arcseconds apart from each other. Venus will also appear around 7 degrees northeast.
Sky at Night magazine advises viewers to keep their hands at arm length and use the middle three fingers to measure the fifth. While not the most accurate measurement, it should help better understand the parade of planets that appear in our skies throughout April.
How to see other planets throughout April
But the planetary cruise didn’t end there. Around the middle of this month, budding astronomers can get a glimpse of Jupiter. Astronomers estimate that Venus will appear 70 minutes before sunrise, and about 30 minutes later, Jupiter at magnitude -1.9 will enter the sky. The two planets will continue to appear together for the rest of the month.
But the real Planetary Parade will take place on April 24. On that day, you will be able to see four planets and the moon in the sky at the same time. This is indeed a rare sight. It is reported that the planets that will appear include Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Saturn. The day’s planetary cruise will end with the moon appearing on the side of Saturn.
While planetary cruises are something you don’t want to miss, you need to be careful. This is especially true for observing the planets in the sky at sunrise and sunset. If you use binoculars or any type of telescope make sure not to point them at the sun unless they are specially made to view the sun. Doing so without proper equipment may cause serious eye damage.
Perhaps we’ll see plenty of great photos of this planetary parade surface in the coming weeks.
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