Stargazers will have the unique opportunity this week to see Saturn, Jupiter and Mars shine with the moon between April 14 to April 16. WMAZ reports that the trio of planets won't be seen together again until mid-2022.
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NASA predicts that Wednesday morning, April 15, a half Moon will appear below the planets Saturn and Jupiter, with the planet Mars to the left. On Thursday morning, April 16, the waning crescent Moon will shift slightly and appear below Mars, with Saturn and Jupiter to the right.
To catch the spectacle, look to the southeastern horizon.
You’ll have to commit to an early rise though — the formation will be visible from approximately 3:45 a.m. until twilight local time.
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Space.com shares several tips for observing the night sky at home, an excellent quarantine activity.
They suggest letting your eyes adjust to being without light for 15-20 minutes to see the best results.
"If you need to use a flashlight to view a star map or adjust equipment, try to tape something red over it (such as red construction paper or red foil). The same goes for phone screens, for which you can download a red filter app to reduce glare," writes Elizabeth Howell on Space.com.
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No special equipment is needed to see planets such as Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. With a pair of high-powered binoculars or a telescope, you’ll be able to see more details, such as clouds on Jupiter or planets’ moons.
Be sure to check local weather forecasts for the clearest skies and to properly bundle up, to ensure your stargazing endeavor is an out-of-this-world experience.
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