Astronomy lovers across the UK are in a treat as, from tonight, seven planets will be visible thanks to a rare phenomenon.
The incredible event is called the ‘planetary parade’ where Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury and Saturn will all be in view and it will be the last time that they’ll all be seen simultaneously until 2040.
The best time to see them will be just after sunset on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and weather maps have revealed which regions will be able to see it.
According to maps by WX Charts, it’s good news as the majority of the UK will be able to see it as indicated by the lack of areas highlighted in blue.
By Wednesday, the maps show that those in the top end of the Scottish Highlands may miss out on the rare sight, will get the chance on the following days.
The East Midlands, specifically around Northampton, will also miss out on Thursday.
Friday seems to be the lucky day as the UK is pretty much void of precipitations, meaning a number of us will get to enjoy this phenomenal experience. Though the planets will all be visible, some are meant to be clearer than others.
Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Mars will be visible to the naked eye. Saturn will be more difficult to see because it will be low in the horizon and for Uranus and Neptune, you’ll require a telescope to spot them, reports BBC.
Dr Edward Bloomer, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, said: ” “You really only have a few minutes after sunset to catch them [the planets] before they drop below the horizon. After that, you’ll still be able to see Venus, Jupiter, and Mars clearly for a much longer time.”
The weather maps come in because as well as a good view of the horizon, a clear sky will give skywatchers the best chance to see all the planets, especially as the window to see all of them will be very short.
According to the Met Office, the weather today and tomorrow is meant to be chilly and western areas are likely to see rain by dawn, but by Thursday and Friday the weather will be dry for many, meaning a better odds for to see the planetary parade.
For those planning to see it tonight, the weather agency states: “A chilly evening, with a few showers still possible. Dry for eastern areas overnight with some mist and fog patches developing.
“Western areas though will see cloud and rain move in by dawn. A patchy frost under the clearest skies.”