Gujarat Council of Science and Technology (GUJCOST) has made comprehensive arrangements for people to enjoy the celestial event of five of the eight planets that will align in an arc on Friday and Saturday. The planets that are to align are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
The event will be held in collaboration with various spacing centres, including, Gujarat Science City, Regional Science Centers (RSCs), and Community Science Centers (CSCs).
According to a state government spokesperson, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Science City is all set for live telescope programs and expert talks.
Gujarat’s regional science centres including Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Patan and Rajkot are about to guide night-sky observation sessions, interactive astronomy workshops and special exhibits.
The Community Science Centres will launch hands-on activities and provide demonstrations to explain the scientific reasons behind planetary motion and celestial alignments.
The programs are developed to involve students, teachers, and the general public in analysing the scientific principles behind the planetary parade along with enhancing a sense of wonder about the universe.
For those eager to witness the upcoming planetary parade, the best viewing times are between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM on both nights, weather permitting.
To get the clearest view, head to a location with a dark, clear sky, away from city lights.
While the planets are visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or a small telescope can offer a closer look, allowing viewers to spot details such as Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings.
To find the planets, look towards the western horizon after sunset for Mercury and Venus, while Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible higher in the night sky.
Mobile astronomy apps can also be helpful for identifying the planets and tracking their positions.
A planetary parade happens when several planets align in the same region of the sky, visible from Earth. During this event, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will form a stunning celestial arc, offering a remarkable view.
This alignment occurs due to the relative positions of the planets in their orbits around the Sun.
While such alignments aren’t extremely rare, they hold significant educational and scientific value. They provide a unique chance to observe and learn about planetary motion, the ecliptic plane, and the vastness of our solar system.
Also Read: Man Booked For Cheating Two Families Of Rs 30L In Canada Visa Fraud Cases