Posted in Washington Nature June 10, 2022 by

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

Have you looked up at the night sky lately? If not, you’ll want to change that as soon as possible. There’s a celestial phenomenon happening through June that will allow you to enjoy what can only be described as a “planet parade.” This amazing event will allow you to see five planets at once, which is incredibly rare.

If you have a favorite spot for stargazing in Washington, make sure to spend some time there this month.
Rachel Hanes / Flickr
Lake Wenatchee State Park, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Methow Valley are all popular spots, but any area without a lot of city lights or cloudy skies will do.
Since June 3rd, we've been able to spot Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn arranged in their natural order from the sun. You can see it all with your naked eye, but you'll get the best views from a telescope.
Ed Suominen / Flickr
But if you haven't noticed yet, don't worry. The planets will be easier to see as the month goes on, especially Mercury.
The last time all five naked-eye planets were in alignment in the sequence was December of 2004.
Sky & Telescope Illustration
And this year's display is expected to be even clearer.
You'll have an especially good chance of seeing all five planets clearly just before dawn on June 24th.
Sky & Telescope Illustration
This is when the crescent moon will join the lineup, illuminating Venus and Mars.
Seeing this phenomenon might require setting your alarm for an inconvenient time, but it will be worth it.
fotomanu_93 / Flickr
It's not every day you can spot five planets in the sky at once.

Will you take the time to enjoy this rare, beautiful planetary parade? Washington has so many fantastic stargazing spots that would be perfect, like the Goldendale Observatory.