This week the metaphorical stars will align—or literally planets in this case—for a rare sighting with just your eyes. If the weather is clear, star gazers will be able to see Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn with no telescope needed.

Raj Patel and Akanksha Bij (MSc Candidates, Physics Engineering Physics and Astronomy) are available to speak to media about the significance of this event.

The spectacle in the sky is best seen from the Northern Hemisphere early in the morning, between 5:20 and 6:30am. Look east to the sky, just about the horizon.

Light pollution will make the planets harder to spot, but you should still be about to see the brighter planets, like Venus and Jupiter from a busy city centre.

“Don’t miss out on taking part in the centuries old tradition of star gazing this weekend from your own home! If the weather doesn’t cooperate, there will be another chance. In late June, Mercury will also join this alignment for an even more rare spectacle of five planets. Be sure to get a good look as this won't happen again for another 18 years in 2040!” says Akanksja Bij, MSc Candidate, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy.

To arrange an interview, please contact Media Relations Manager Julie Brown (brown.julie@queensu.ca) at Queen’s University News and Media Services Department in Kingston, Ont., Canada.   

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