The evenings in Tennessee are thick with beauty, especially when the lights are out and the lightning bugs begin their dance across the sky. There’s nothing like star gazing out in the countryside, and locals know their own favorite backroads to traverse for prime night sky viewing. This March, however, an entirely new form of beauty is set to reveal itself. Space enthusiasts and skyward dreamers alike will appreciate what is being called a "planet parade," in which all five planets viewable to the naked eye will be able to be seen in orbital order in the Tennessee night sky as the sun sets. It only happens every so often, and you won’t want to miss it. This year, star gazing in Tennessee takes on an impressive new edge.
If you are wondering what planets are visible tonight in Tennessee, take a gander at this.
The Tennessee night sky is a beautiful sight, no matter the night, but beginning March 25, 2023, and lasting through March 30, 2023, there is quite the sight to see if you happen to look up.
The planets of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus will all be arranged in their natural order from the sun.
The best part of this stunning sight is that you don't need to get up in the middle of the night to see it.
As the sun sets in the west the line of planets will be visible right above the horizon. It helps to have binoculars or a telescope but you should be able to see all five planets with just your handy dandy pair of eyes.
If you’re looking to commit to a day, be sure to keep an eye out before March 28 as Jupiter might fall below the horizon before the sun sets after that date.
And Jupiter and Mercury will only be visible for about an hour before dipping below the horizon.
The planets will be aligned amidst the sky's constellations starting with Jupiter and Mercury low in the sky with Venus, Uranus, and Mars in a vertical line up past the crescent moon.
The last time all five of what is known as the "naked-eye planets," or the planets visible from Earth without required assistance, were visible was in the winter of 2004.
If you're going to check out this stunning celestial show, make sure you set your alarm for a sunset reminder and turn your gaze to the west. The beauty of the natural world never ceases to amaze and inspire!
Make the most of your Tennessee stargazing experience with these five tips for upping your stargazing game from Trace Dominguez:
Gazing up at the Tennessee night sky is an incredible experience! If you love to stargaze or enjoy the mythos that surrounds the earth’s atmosphere, then this is a “parade” that you won’t want to skip. If you’re looking for a place to stargaze, we would recommend this little-known state park.
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