S&T: How & When to See Five Planets at Once
Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2016 7:34 pm
How and When to See Five Planets at Once
Sky & Telescope | 2016 Jan 20
Sky & Telescope | 2016 Jan 20
[img3="Here's the view 45 minutes before sunrise as plotted for January 25th.During the next two weeks, for the first time in more than a decade, you can see all five naked-eye planets — from Mercury to Saturn — together in the predawn sky. This celestial treat is relatively easy to see with just your eyes; no telescope or optical aid is needed.
With each passing day, Mercury will appear brighter and climb a little higher.
(Sky & Telescope diagram)"]http://www.skyandtelescope.com/wp-conte ... an2016.jpg[/img3][hr][/hr]
Technically, all five planets are in the sky before dawn from January 20th to February 20th. However, because Mercury will be most challenging to see, Sky & Telescope senior editor Alan MacRobert advises, "Look during the last few days of January and first week of February to have your best chance for success."
The optimum time to look is about 45 minutes before sunrise; at earlier times Mercury is too low to be seen easily, and afterward the twilight sky rapidly brightens. Find a location with a clear, unobstructed view toward southeast, in the general direction of sunrise, and locate brilliant Venus fairly low above the horizon. Venus is brighter than any other planet or star — you can't miss it.
To spot Mercury, look to the lower left of Venus by about the width of your clenched fist held at arm's length. Mercury will appear as a distinct star in dawn's twilight. Be sure that no trees or buildings are blocking your view. In late January, Mercury gets slightly brighter and climbs higher (closer to Venus) in the predawn sky each successive morning. ...
