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3w ago

Six-Planet Alignment and Perseids Peak Scheduled for Early Morning Skies

Astronomy institutes warn that dark, clear conditions an hour before dawn from August 10 through 13 are essential to see the rare planetary lineup coinciding with the meteor shower.

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Overview

  • Starting August 10, observers will see Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune align along the ecliptic about an hour before sunrise.
  • On August 12, Venus and Jupiter will reach their closest apparent approach of the year, separated by just 0°52′.
  • The Perseids meteor shower will peak on the nights of August 12 and 13, offering as many as 50 to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
  • Observers can view the four inner planets without instruments while using binoculars or a telescope is recommended to spot Uranus and Neptune.
  • Institutions like the Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba and apps such as Star Walk are providing viewing tips and weather forecasts to help enthusiasts find low-light-pollution sites.