Expert shares how to view rare planetary parade

Stargazers hoping to view a rare celestial phenomenon that is lighting up the night sky have one month left.

Six of the planets in our solar system are currently lining up in an event known as a planetary parade.

Four of the planets – Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus – will be visible to the naked eye. Somerset astrophotographer Josh Dury captured the spectacle, which will not be repeated for 400 years, from a spot high on the Mendip Hills.

He said: "Now is a really exciting time to look up at the night sky."

To help people view the parade, Mr Dury has shared photographs detailing where the planets are appearing in the sky.

"The bright planets will certainly be visible like Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars.

"For the dimmer planets, Uranus and Neptune, you may want to use a pair of binoculars or a small telescope to see those," he said.

Planetary alignment is an astronomical term used to describe when planets gather closely on one side of the Sun at the same time.

He continued: "I was very lucky to photograph the planetary parade from one of my favourite spots on the Mendips."

The rare parade should be visible until about the end of February, according to The Planetary Society.

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