On Friday evening, stargazers can witness a rare planetary alignment, with Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter visible to the naked eye right after sunset. Saturn will be more challenging to spot, while Uranus and Neptune require darker skies. This phenomenon showcases the planets along the solar system's plane, moving at varying speeds. Notably, Friday marks an ideal time to see Mercury at its peak brightness after months of absence from the horizon, making it an exciting opportunity for casual observers and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter will be visible without a telescope on Friday evening, while Saturn will be faint and challenging to see.
Friday after sunset is ideal for viewing because Mercury will be at its highest and brightest, an uncommon delight for sky-watchers.
Spotting Saturn will be tricky as it is almost lost in the sunset's glow; only skilled observers might find it with binoculars.
The planets appear aligned due to their positions along the same plane of the solar system, with each moving at different orbital speeds.
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