How to Spot the 5 Planets Aligning in Wyoming Skies This Weekend
Planets are aligning in Wyoming skies this weekend.
No, this isn't your June horoscope. It's a rare chance for observers to spot five planets in the sky at once, according to USA Today. And thanks to Wyoming's low-light pollution and generally clear skies, we have a chance to spot the planetary parade this weekend.
When to View the Planetary Parade Shining in Wyoming Skies
According to USA Today, the best time to view the planetary phenomena is tomorrow (Saturday, June 17) in the early morning "when planets gather closely on one side of the sun at the same time."
The five planets putting on a show tomorrow morning are Saturn, Neptune, Jupiter, Uranus, and Mercury. Saturn, Jupiter, and Mercury should be visible to the naked eye if you know where to look (more on that in a minute,) but you'll want a pair of binoculars or a telescope to get a glimpse of Neptune and Uranus.
How to View Each Planet During the June 17 Alignment
The experts at EarthSky.org have several tips on the best time and practices for viewing this weekend's planetary alignment.
- You'll want to head outside at least 45 minutes before sunrise. Find a viewing spot with an unobstructed view of the horizon.
- Then, look for Jupiter - the largest and brightest of the planets visible in the alignment will be "low in the east and the brightest point of light in this part of the sky."
- Then, look for Saturn. EarthSky indicates that Saturn "is higher and farther south" than Jupiter.
- After Saturn, seek out Mercury. EarthSky recommends looking for a star brighter than Saturn that is "east-northeast" and lower on the horizon than Saturn.
- Uranus is next up. Grab your binoculars and look "approximately halfway between Mercury and Jupiter," near the rising sun, for a small dot. It may appear green or as a small disc in your binoculars.
- Neptune is the last planet in the alignment and also the dimmest - you'll need those binoculars again. It will be "two-thirds of the way from Jupiter to Saturn" and will be best viewed before dawn.
When is Sunrise in Your Part of Wyoming?
- Cheyenne: 5:26 AM
- Casper: 5:26 AM
- Laramie: 5:29 AM
- Sheridan: 5:21 AM
- Afton: 5:45 AM
- Lusk: 5:19 AM