It is an intergalactic ménage à trois that does not involve Uranus.
Thought the ‘dual planet’ of 2020 was impressive? This weekend, astronomers can testify that Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn share the sky as part of an impressive ‘triple conjunction’.
As a service to aerial viewers, we have put together everything you need to know about this interstellar phenomenon.
What is the “triple conjunction”?
A triple conjunction occurs when three planets in the sky are aligned, forming such a celestial congaline.
During this year’s trilogy, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn will appear within two degrees of each other in the Capricorn constellation, reports Forbes.
NASA wrote that ‘the planet Mercury passes from Friday night to Monday night [by] first Saturn and then Jupiter as it moves away from the horizon, visible every night low in the west-southwest and ending before dusk. ”
How to see the spectacle
The window for the capture of this cosmic congregation is short. EarthSky reports that the planetary trio will be visible in the twilight, but will subside by evening. Stargazers will therefore ideally have to place themselves at an unobstructed horizon within 30 minutes before sunset.
According to NASA, aerial viewers at a suitable vantage point are advised to look low at the west-southwest horizon.
While binoculars are recommended, intergalactic gawkers can see the triple cooperation with the naked eye by first looking at Jupiter – the brightest of the three – and then spotting Saturn and Mercury.
When is the next triple conjunction?
After this weekend, the next time these three planets will be in line, just before Valentine’s Day, will be on February 13th.
In fact, this particular three-way event happens fairly frequently by space standards, with the most recent interplanetary gathering taking place in 2015. In contrast, last month’s Christmas star was the first Jupiter-Saturn conjunction since 1226.