Posted in New Hampshire Events March 20, 2023 by Michelle

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

The summer brings tons of beauty to the landscape of the state, but the sky offers just as much beauty as the land if you know where and when to look up. We always look forward to when there are planets visible in New Hampshire. One of our favorite celestial events is quite rare, but when it does appear it’s frequently referred to as the “parade of planets.” Best of all, if the weather is clear it can be seen with the naked eye!

From March 25 to March 30, 2023, five planets will align in the night sky for star lovers to enjoy. This rare event is always exciting, especially since it can involve different planets each time. This "parade of planets will feature Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus, and Mars.

In the past, this event lasted for as long as a month, but this time around, we'll have just a few days to enjoy it. The good news is that viewers won't necessarily need to wake up before dawn to catch the display. Much of it can be seen right after the sun sets.

Venus will be the easiest planet to spot, as it is typically the brightest light in the night sky. However, Uranus will probably require binoculars. Also keep in mind that Jupiter will be easiest to spot from the 25th to the 28th, so try to catch this event by then for the full experience.

To see the display, be sure to find a dark spot away from artificial lights. Big cities and towns should be avoided. You'll also want to find a clear, unobstructed view facing the western horizon.

Jupiter and Mercury will be visible closer to the horizon line, so be sure to look lower in the sky. This is also the reason Jupiter is only visible for a few days. It quickly drops below the horizon. After less than one hour, both planets will no longer be visible. But, keep an eye out for Venus which comes next.

Venus will appear with Uranus just above it. These are best seen when there's no light left in the sky. But, just like the first two, Venus and Uranus will also dip below the horizon after just a few hours.

While all four of these planets will dip below the horizon, Mars is quite easy to spot and will last for most of the night.

If you love the night sky as much as us, will you be out there? Let us know where you plan on getting the best view in the comments! If you prefer your beauty to come in the form of more landscape-related sites we’ve got a few more options for you. Here are some natural wonders unique to New Hampshire for your bucket list.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

The Best Nature in New Hampshire

March 25, 2023

Michelle S.

Which hikes in New Hampshire are short and sweet?

The best hikes in New Hampshire that are short and sweet include:

Flume Gorge Trail, Lincoln: This short hike is one of the most popular in the state so plan on arriving early. It includes a waterfall, rivers, and even a covered bridge.
Glen Ellis Falls Trail, Jackson: Located near Mount Washington, this short route is less than a half-mile. But, it leads to one of the most lovely waterfalls in the state.
Echo Lake Trail, North Conway: This short, flat trail leads hikers all around Echo Lake. The views of the lake are pretty, but the route also includes views of the mountains and forest.

Everyone's idea of a short hike varies. To account for many different experience levels, check out these incredible hikes under five miles.

Does New Hampshire have any natural wonders?

New Hampshire has quite a few natural wonders to see. Here are a few to check out first:

Wonder Beaver Brook Falls, Colebrook: This magnificent waterfall features an 80-foot drop and it can be seen right from the car.
Lost River Gorge, Kinsman Notch: While certainly a tourist attraction, the caves and gorges here are worth every penny.
Diana’s Baths, North Conway: These smooth rocks are beautiful to look at, but they're even more fun to play on during a dip in the water when it's hot outside.

To see lots of hidden gems at once, consider hopping in the car and taking the natural wonders road trip through New Hampshire.