Planet Parade
What is the Planet Parade?
Planet Parade is a broad term used to describe the presence of several planets
in the night sky at a time. Planetary Alignment means that some planets are
visible as they gather together in one part of the night sky.
Why is it important?
Conjunction of planets among each other and their alignment in a small region of
the sky are rare events because of their orbital trajectories as viewed from the
Earth. Hence, it is important to view these events to not only learn about the
relative motion of planets, but also to appreciate the night sky full of astronomical
wonders!
Why is it celebrated?
Through this event, the human quests for planetary exploration and the influence
of science fiction, art, and literature are celebrated, as these ventures have
inspired generations to become space explorers and rocket scientists. Hence,
the aim is to emphasize the work done through generations in the field of
planetary exploration that has revealed to us these far away planets as
tremendously wonderful worlds and inspire people to have a closer look at them
at least once in their lives!
How is it celebrated?
Such events of Planet Parade are celebrated by conducting public events of
night sky observations via telescopes and binoculars where people from all walks
of life can visit and have a closer look at our neighboring planets. When one
indulges with astronomy, one realizes that science, in its highest form, is no
different than poetry.To quote Carl Sagan, “astronomy is a humbling and
character-building experience”, SPACE India aims at honoring this purpose and
works towards empowering life by developing this sense of ethereal
connectedness with the cosmos.
How often does it occur?
The fast moving inner planets align every few months but the slow moving outer
planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) group far less often and such
alignments are rare events in the night sky!
When is the next Planet Parade?
The recent Parade of planets took place on 11th April 2023, when 4 planets –
Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Uranus were visible within a small 35-degree sky
region right after sunset. Venus and Mars are bright enough to be seen via naked
eye but to view Mercury and Uranus, one needs a pair of binoculars or a
telescope.
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What is the Planet Parade?
Planet Parade is a broad term used to describe the presence of several planets
in the night sky at a time. Planetary Alignment means that some planets are
visible as they gather together in one part of the night sky.