Overview
- Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn are expected to be visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope, according to NASA.
- The prime viewing window is roughly 30–60 minutes after local sunset toward a clear western horizon, with darker skies and low light pollution improving visibility.
- Observers worldwide can attempt the sighting if weather permits, and planets generally need to sit about 10 degrees or more above the horizon to be seen clearly.
- Venus will appear as the brightest point after sunset, Jupiter will sit higher in the sky, and Mercury will be the most challenging to spot low near the horizon.
- The alignment reflects planets clustered along the ecliptic rather than a perfect line, and planetariums such as La Plata’s are hosting public viewing events that organizers describe as an uncommon opportunity.