Are you ready for an out-of-this-world experience? You don’t have to be a full-blown space fanatic to appreciate a unique celestial event, and there’s a rare planetary occurrence headed our way during the month of March. When you’re eager to add some naturally occurring magic to your summer, keep your eyes peeled for a view of this mesmerizing parade of planets visible from Michigan.
Towards the end of March 2023, an exciting “planet parade” will be visible from Earth – and many Michiganders will surely head outside to catch a glimpse.
During this fascinating and rare event, five of our solar system’s planets (four of which can be viewed from Earth without advanced viewing equipment -- Uranus may require binoculars) will align in the southeastern sky. Talk about amazing!
That’s right: Mars, Uranus, Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury will make simultaneous appearances along a plane known as the ecliptic, which marks a line of travel for all five planets.
You’ll want to time your viewing experience accordingly, as pre-dawn is the best period during which to catch a glimpse of the planet parade. In fact, Mercury is typically only visible for approximately 30 minutes pre-dawn.
It's possible that cloud cover and inclement weather might take its toll on some Michiganders’ viewing efforts, but don’t let one cloudy morning stop you: this rare alignment should continue for several days.
One fascinating element of the planet parade is its deceptive impression that the planets are actually close together. In reality, millions of miles separate Mars, Uranus, Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury from one another.
As you make plans for exciting star-gazing adventures, keep some space open for an unforgettable viewing party with loved ones. We can’t imagine a better way to combine scientific education with fascinating family fun.
For more information on how to see this dazzling planets visible from Michigan, be sure to check out this brief video below:
Have you and your loved ones ever been able to check out any previous celestial events in the Great Lakes State? Share your experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another scientific adventure in Michigan by completing our nomination form.
Searching for another summer activity to enjoy? You'll want to read about these beautiful lazy rivers in Michigan.
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