Depending on the time of year, we may view various amazing sights out in space when we gaze up into the night sky. Unfortunately, the sky has seemed relatively empty during the last month. But, as it turns out, all you have to do is know WHEN to look.
The planets visible to the naked eye are now on the opposite
side of the planet (the sun-facing side.) Every evening of the month, you might
gaze up at the sky and be greeted with a very barren sky.
Worse, Venus and Mars are quite near to one another and
visible with the naked eye throughout the month, but not exactly after sunset.
According to BigThink, these two planets will be so near
together on March 16 that they will only be approximately three fingers wide
apart at arm's length! On March 20th, Venus will be the brightest of all, when
it reaches maximum elongation.
Then, on March 28, Mars, Saturn, and Venus will all be
visible in the night sky, and you will be able to see Saturn pretty well if you
use binoculars. Not only that, but they will fit inside a 5.3-degree circle.
This close proximity of planetary trios is extremely rare.
So, you may be wondering, if the planets are all hidden on
the other side, how am I going to see them? The secret is to stay up late and
be outdoors a few hours before dawn, or to get up early.
Throughout the month of April, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and
Venus will all be visible in the pre-dawn sky!
While it may seem to be a difficult chore (staying up late
or getting up early), I guarantee you that this view is well worth it. And if
you like gazing at the stars and planets in space, you can't miss out on this!