Five Different Planets Will Align In The Pennsylvania Night Sky During An Incredibly Rare Display

The Pennsylvania night sky often puts on an amazing show, even if we’re just kicking back, relaxing, and doing a little stargazing. However, the end of March promises to be an epic time when the five "naked-eye" planets will align for one spectacular viewing experience. Make sure you plan to get outdoors on at least one evening to witness this celestial marvel.

You won’t need binoculars or a telescope to view the naked-eye planets – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus. It’s the first time in 18 years that these planets will align.

The five planets will align for one stellar show from March 25 to March 30. However, you’ll have an easier time viewing all five planets in one night before March 28 because Jupiter may sink below the horizon before the sun sets after March 28.

Right as the sun sets in the west Mercury and Jupiter will shine bright just above the horizon. Venus, Uranus, and Mars will soon follow.

Each of the planets travels on the same “row” of the solar system, which is known as the ecliptic. Turn your eyes to the sky to watch them shine in a row.

While the five planets will look as though they’re not too far apart, the distance between each is actually millions of miles.

Jupiter and Mercury will only be visible for about an hour so make sure you try to catch a glimpse as soon after the sun sets as you can.

Let's cross our fingers that the weather cooperates as this event only lasts a few days.

To increase your chances of seeing the five planets align, find a place that’s away from light pollution – a field or a park, for example.

Perhaps the best place to see this rare event is in Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania's only Dark Sky Park. Let's go stargazing in Pennsylvania in this video with Marissa Galeotti, an Environmental Education Specialist at Cherry Springs Park:

Hopefully, the weather cooperates so we can see these planets visible tonight in Pennsylvania. Where’s your favorite place to admire the Pennsylvania night sky? Let us know in the comments! If you’re up for a road trip, follow this weekend road trip that leads to some of the best state parks in Pennsylvania. You’ll also stop at Cherry Springs State Park, one of the darkest places on the Eastern Seaboard and the perfect place to do a little stargazing.