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Stargazers across India and the Northern Hemisphere are in for a rare treat on Wednesday, August 14. The planets Mars and Jupiter will appear incredibly close together in the eastern sky before sunrise, an event known as a planetary conjunction. This celestial pairing will be a spectacular sight for early risers and won’t happen again until 2033.
The two planets have been visible in the eastern sky all month, but they will be at their closest point on Wednesday morning. According to NASA, they will appear only about one-third of a degree apart, which is less than the width of a full moon. Jupiter, the larger of the two, will shine brightly, while Mars will appear as a reddish dot nearby.
To see this stunning alignment, set your alarm and head outside a few hours before sunrise on Wednesday. The planets will be visible to the naked eye, rising above the eastern horizon around 1:30 a.m. IST, positioned in front of the constellation Taurus the Bull.
While you can enjoy the view without any equipment, a pair of binoculars or a telescope will give you an even better look. With a little magnification, you might even be able to spot some of Jupiter’s largest moons, adding to the spectacle.
Experts at EarthSky.org recommend finding a location with a clear view of the eastern horizon and minimal light pollution for the best viewing experience. Make sure to check the weather forecast for your area, as clear skies are essential.
This event is part of a series of astronomical events this month, including the Perseid meteor shower, which peaked on August 12-13.
