Photographer Captures Six-Planet Alignment in Dorset
Josh Dury photographs a rare planetary parade from Worth Matravers, Dorset, featuring six planets and the Moon.
Photographer Josh Dury from Bristol captured a rare celestial event, photographing six planets aligned in the night sky from a radar memorial in Worth Matravers, Dorset, on Tuesday just after 18:30 GMT. His image features Earth, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and the Moon.
A planetary parade occurs when several planets appear to align on one side of the Sun from Earth's perspective. This phenomenon will be visible again in the UK from sunset on Saturday.
Dury described the experience as a "battle against time" to capture the alignment using a wide lens, allowing for a nearly 180-degree field of view. He expressed being "positively overwhelmed" upon capturing the shot, noting the rarity of such a lineup and how it "puts into perspective our place among the solar system."
For those interested in observing the upcoming planetary parade, the optimal viewing time is just after sunset on Saturday. Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Neptune will appear low in the western sky near the horizon, while Uranus will be higher in the constellation Taurus, and Jupiter will shine brightly in the constellation Gemini. Observers are advised to find a location with a clear view of the horizon and, if possible, use binoculars or a telescope to enhance the viewing experience.