Astronomy enthusiasts and early risers are in for a treat on April 4, 2024, as four planets—Venus, Neptune, Saturn, and Mars—will align in the morning sky. This rare celestial event will be visible from almost anywhere in the world, with Venus, Saturn, and Mars shining bright enough to be seen without any special equipment. However, Neptune will require a telescope or high-powered binoculars for observation.
According to a blog posted by Starwalk Space, the alignment will occur in the constellations of Aquarius and Pisces, where Mars will first appear with its distinct reddish tint about an hour before sunrise, followed by Saturn. Shortly after, Neptune and Venus will rise in Pisces, closely following their conjunction on April 3. Venus, the brightest of the group at a magnitude of -3.8, will be easily visible, while Neptune will be more elusive at a magnitude of 8.0.
To assist with locating these planets, the free Sky Tonight app is recommended. It offers an easy way to identify celestial objects in the sky by simply pointing your device upwards. The app is designed to be user-friendly, catering to both beginners and seasoned astronomers.
The planetary parade is not limited to a single day and can be observed several days before and after April 4. The exact date for the best view of this alignment varies by location, with notable dates being April 3 for Mexico and Sydney and April 4 for Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. The app also includes a feature to visualize how the planets align from any given location, providing a unique perspective on this astronomical event.
Observing tips include checking the sunrise time for your location to begin observations at least an hour before dawn and using the Sky Tonight app to distinguish between planets and stars. Unlike stars, planets do not twinkle and change their position against the backdrop of constellations over the year.