The astronomical miracle of summer: when, where and how to observe in Ukraine

In mid- and second half of August, stargazers will be able to witness a rare astronomical phenomenon — the so-called “parade of the planets.” Six planets of the solar system — Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — will line up in the predawn sky, creating a spectacular configuration that is visible to the naked eye or through optical instruments.

This was reported by the Associated Press with reference to NASA and Universe Space Tech .

The best viewing conditions are expected to be between August 15 and 26 , with the event peaking between August 19 and 21 , when Mercury reaches maximum western elongation—it will be furthest from the Sun in the sky, making it easier to see before dawn. During this period, the planets will stretch across an arc of about 120 degrees, creating a bright and wide panorama.

According to astronomers, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible without a telescope, while Uranus and Neptune will need to be sought with binoculars or a telescope.

“Such alignments of the planets are an illusion from the point of view of an earthly observer, since the bodies are not located exactly on one straight line,” the astronomers explain. “However, all six planets will be on the visible trajectory of the Sun, that is, on the ecliptic. Thanks to this, they will appear in the same sector of the sky before dawn.”

According to Carolyn Sumners of the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences, Jupiter and Venus will look “like cat’s eyes” – that’s how close they will be to each other in the sky.

Also on August 19 and 21, the transit of the shadows of Jupiter’s moons is expected – on those days, the shadows of the largest moons will pass across the disk of the gas giant. This is another rare moment that can be observed with amateur telescopes.

Astronomers recommend going out for observations 30–60 minutes before sunrise, away from city lights. The first things to look for in the sky are the brightest objects — Venus (brightness up to -4m) and Jupiter (-2m). Then you will be able to see other planets, if weather conditions allow.

This parade will be the last in 2025, so those who dream of seeing celestial bodies simultaneously in the same sector of the sky have a great chance to do so right now.

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