6 Planets Will Align This Week—Here's How to Get the Best Look at the Planet Parade

Skywatchers are in for a spectacular sight on Monday, June 3. Six planets—Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will align in the night sky, according to StarWalk.space, an astronomical application for stargazing in real time.

The phenomenon is referred to as a planetary alignment, which occurs when several planets gather closely on one side of the sun at the same time. The alignment on June 3 will be visible almost everywhere in northern hemisphere, depending on the weather.

The first planet to rise will be Saturn, which can be spotted with the naked eye from late night on. Neptune is next and will be located close to constellation Pisces. A little later, Mars will rise, also located in the constellation Pisces. At dawn, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mercury will appear on the eastern horizon. The three planets will be located in the constellation Taurus, according to StarWalk.space.

During the alignment, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn may be spotted without special equipment, but stargazers will need a telescope or special binoculars to see Neptune and Uranus.

While optimal viewing of the alignment is expected to take place on June 3, don't worry if you miss it. The planet parade may still be visible for several days following that date, so there are other chances to catch the spectacular sight.