At the end of March, don't skip the planet procession.
On the evenings of March 25 through 30, the planets Jupiter, Mercury,
Venus, Uranus, and Mars will line up in an arc configuration alongside the
moon.
However, after the 28th, Jupiter might descend into the dusk and disappear
in the light, so try to catch this relatively uncommon cosmic occurrence
before then.
Timing, dark clouds, and an unobstructed view of the horizon are important
factors if you want to see all five planets in one night.
Getting ready for the celestial procession
Some of these planets are possibly visible from the metropolis. Since Venus
is the third-brightest object in the heavens after the sun and moon, it will
be the one that is simplest to see with the unaided eye.
It might be more difficult to see some of the other planets, such as
Mercury and Uranus. Get away from city lights and to a location with gloomy
skies before dusk for the best chances. Make careful to verify the forecast
and make arrangements for a clear evening.
Choose a location where you have a clear, unimpeded view of the western
sky; no mountains or structures should be in the way of the sunset. To see
Jupiter and Mercury, you must look low on the sky.
The majority of the planets should be visible with the unaided eye, but to
see Uranus and see the entire five-planet parade, you'll likely need glasses
or even a telescope.
Downloading an astronomy software like Sky Tonight or SkySafari will show
you precisely where each planet is in the night sky and make it simple to
recognize the planets.
What to watch for and what to anticipate in the hours following dusk
Look west shortly after the sun has dipped below the horizon. Jupiter and
Mercury will be visible side by side low in the heavens, where the sun has
just set.
They might be difficult to see with the unaided eye as the sun sets. So, if
you initially have trouble seeing them, try glasses. Just make sure the sun
is below the horizon to avoid the risk of eye damage when using glasses to
observe it.
After sundown, the pair will only be visible for about an hour. After that,
you won't be able to see them because they will have sunk below the
horizon.
Now is the time to appreciate Venus, the brightest "star" in the sky, which
is directly above Jupiter, and use your glasses to search for Uranus.
Nearby Uranus will be directly above and to the left of Venus. The fainter
planet will be easiest to see once the sun has completely set and has taken
Mercury and Jupiter with it from the heavens. Before that pair also drops
below the horizon, you will have about an hour or so to look for it.
However, you'll have plenty of time to explore Mars, the crimson world.
From March 25 to 27, it will be above the waning moon and slightly to its
left, high in the southwest sky. From March 28 onward, it will be below the
moon.
Additionally, Saturn
On March 27 and 28, you might see Saturn hanging low on the eastern sky
just before daybreak if you remain up all night or get up early.
