A rare triple conjunction, ‘smiley face planetary alignment,’ will occur on April 25, 2025, right before sunrise. During this event, the Moon, Venus, and Saturn will align to create a ‘smiley face’ in the sky. Mark your calendar to witness this rare occurrence, as it won’t happen again for several years!
What Creates the Smiley Face Alignment?
Venus and Saturn will serve as the “eyes,” and below them, the crescent Moon will curve into a gentle “smile.” Together, these three bodies will resemble a ‘smiley face.’
How and when to watch it?
The alignment will be visible worldwide, provided the sky is clear and the eastern horizon is unobstructed. You won’t need a telescope or binoculars to enjoy this celestial event, but using a telescope can help you get a closer look at the planets and the crescent moon.
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction occurs when two or more celestial bodies appear close together in the sky, and they occur frequently. However, a triple conjunction, like this one, is quite rare. The celestial bodies might appear close during a conjunction, but in reality, they are separated by vast distances.
Catch the Lyrids and the triple conjunction on the same day!
If you are planning to watch the triple conjunction on April 25, you can start your observations at night, and you can even catch the Lyrid meteor shower near its peak (April 22-23).