Heaven will offer a new astronomical spectacle: and planetary parade that can be seen from different parts of the world, including Argentina. The culminating moment will occur this weekend, when Mercury, Mars, Saturn and Neptune coincide on the horizon.
This phenomenon, known as planetary alignment, occurs when several planets They seem to group along the ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun in the sky), forming a striking arrangement seen from Earth and allowing them to be observed at the same time.
He Saturday, April 18, will be the moment of maximum intensity of the phenomenon. However, it will not be the only day to observe the four planets on the horizon. The alignment will be maintained for several mornings: the best conditions will occur between April 18 and 20, but the visibility window will extend until the 23rd.
According to experts, the better observation conditions will occur in the southern hemisphere, especially in countries like Argentina and Chile, where the planets will be highest above the eastern horizon before dawn.
According to the specialized site Starwalk.space, the Ideal time to look at the sky will be between 60 and 90 minutes before sunrisedirecting the view towards the east, in a low area of the horizon. Below are the best times for each city:
Argentina
- Buenos Aires: dawn 07:19 | watch between 05:49–06:19
- Rosario: dawn 07:26 | watch between 05:56–06:26
- Salta: dawn 07:37 | watch between 06:07–06:37
- Córdoba: dawn 07:39 | watch between 06:09–06:39
- Mendoza: dawn 07:59 | watch between 06:29–06:59
Chile
- Antofagasta: dawn 06:56 | watch between 05:26–05:56
- The Serena: dawn 07:05 | watch between 05:35–06:05
- Santiago de Chile: dawn 07:07 | watch between 05:37–06:07
- Valparaiso: dawn 07:10 | watch between 05:40–06:10
- Conception: dawn 07:20 | watch between 05:50–06:20
It suits choose an elevated place, with a clear horizon and no obstacles like buildings or trees. It is important to keep in mind that although we often talk about “alignment”, the planets They will not form a straight line, but will be arranged in a gentle arc along the ecliptic.
Mercury and Mars can be seen with the naked eye, while Saturn It will be visible only if weather conditions are favorable. Meanwhile, to observe Neptune It will be necessary to have a telescope, since it is an object “normally too faint in the brightness of dawn.”
Finally, from the specialized site they warn that in the event that April 18 is cloudyit is key not to despair. In this sense, they explain that the alignment does not occur only that morning. The planets remain in a similar position for several days, so it can be tried the next day.
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