The celestial vault not only gives us very attractive astronomical spectacles, but also allows us to observe events that are less eccentric than eclipses or meteor showers, but whose mysterious nature hides great satisfaction. One of them is the conjunctions that occur, either between planets or between other bodies. The month of June 2022 will give us a series of these rare conjunctions that will allow us to see five planets in our Solar System perfectly aligned in the sky.
What is a conjunction?
Knowing what happens behind a conjunction opens up the possibilities of enjoying even more the fact of looking towards the sky in itself. Turning towards the firmament and understanding what is happening before our eyes brings a kind of satisfaction that can very rarely be experienced. This is why learning about conjunctions adds a level of beauty to the practice of observation.
In astronomy, conjunctions are understood as the union of two celestial bodies from the perspective of a third, in this case it is from Earth. A conjunction involves two or more objects being placed in such a position that, from Earth’s view, they appear to be very close. Like two stars very close together in the sky in the case of planetary conjunctions.
Although there are also lunar conjunctions, which refer to the union of any celestial body that is very close to the Moon. Lunar conjunctions are generally described where the natural satellite appears surrounded by stars.
Conjunction of celestial bodies in June 2022
June 2022 will give us a rare planetary and lunar alignment or conjunction, which can very rarely be observed in the sky. This phenomenon has been brewing for months where they have traveled over their orbits until they are very close to each other. In total, you can admire 5 of the planets of the Solar System, in an almost perfect straight line and what is better, the alignment will be led by the brightness of the Moon, which will be waning.
The first conjunction will begin on June 18 when Saturn positions itself 4.3° north of the Moon. The spectacle will be joined by Jupiter, which during the night of June 21 will reach a position 2.9° north of the natural satellite.
Mars will also conjunct the Moon on June 22 and will get much closer to Earth’s natural satellite, as it will almost touch it at 1º to the north and will also join the parade on the same day. Finally Venus will cross very close to the Moon on June 26 when it reaches 3º south.
After these dates, you will be able to observe the alignment of the five celestial bodies preceded by the Moon, which will be waning.
How to observe the alignment of the five planets?
For , you should only look towards the sky in the last days of June. Once all the bodies are in conjunction, they can be observed in the sky just before dawn.
The time depends on where you are in the world, but it is best to turn towards the sky about 45 minutes before sunrise, in your local time. Direct your gaze from east to south before the Sun rises in the east and there you will find an almost perfect line of planets that will be guided by the natural satellite.
If you want to be aware of other events that the Universe has in store for us, we have prepared the 2022 astronomical calendar, where you can consult all the information necessary to enjoy cosmic events throughout the year.