Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Stargazers in for rare four-planet skyshow
Early risers are in for a rare treat on Sunday morning when four planets align followed by Venus and Jupiter appearing to almost collide with one another.
April 30, 2022
Stargazers are in for a rare spectacle this weekend with four planets set to align followed by Venus and Jupiter appearing to almost smash into one another.
Saturn, Mars, Venus and Jupiter will look like they’re in a straight line early on Sunday morning, the Australian National University says
The two brightest planets in the sky, Venus and gas giant Jupiter, will get so close that they’ll appear to collide and become one planet.
“Venus and Jupiter have been moving closer together over the past several weeks,” astrophysicist Brad Tucker said on Saturday.
No special equipment is needed to view the celestial sky show from Australia, which starts about 4.30am EST and goes until sunrise.
“Although Venus and Jupiter get close to one another every few years, this time there is also Mars and Saturn in the mix which is pretty rare,” Dr Tucker said.
“If you have a telescope, a pair of binoculars or a decent camera, then you’ll get an even better view.”
Venus, Jupiter, Mercury and Mars came together in the eastern sky in a formation not likely to be seen again until 2040, during the early sunrise hours of May 13, 2011.