Six-planet alignment graces night sky until September 7

A rare celestial event is treating sky watchers across the Philippines this week as six planets align in the night sky, visible until September 7, according to PAGASA.

The alignment features Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury, which can be observed shortly after sunset and before dawn, Andrew Pertierra reported on Unang Balita on Monday.

The phenomenon began early Monday morning and will continue for several nights.

Of the six, Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus will appear as bright objects in the sky and can be seen with the naked eye.

Meanwhile, Neptune and Uranus will require high-powered binoculars or a telescope to be spotted.

Planetary alignments occur when planets appear to line up from Earth’s perspective, though they remain far apart in space. 

Astronomers note that while such alignments are not extremely rare, spotting six planets in one stretch of sky is a noteworthy event for both professional and amateur observers.

PAGASA advised the public to check local weather conditions before heading outdoors, as rains and thunderstorms are still expected in parts of Luzon. —Sherylin Untalan/KG, GMA Integrated News