New Yorkers and sky-watchers around the globe are expected to witness a rare celestial event before dawn on Friday. Venus, Saturn, and the crescent moon will align in a formation resembling a 'smiley face' in the sky. According to NASA, as reported by PIX11, the alignment will appear low in the eastern sky during the early morning hours. If weather conditions permit, Mercury may also be visible just below the formation, enhancing the display.
Viewers interested in observing the celestial event are advised to plan ahead. The triple conjunction is expected to be visible near the eastern horizon shortly before sunrise. According to NASA, the alignment forms a triangular pattern that resembles a smile and will be visible for a limited time. The formation is expected to appear around 5:30 a.m. on Friday, with sunrise occurring about an hour later, narrowing the timeframe for observation.
The phenomenon, described as a 'triple conjunction,' is a relatively infrequent occurrence involving three celestial bodies. It's a visual treat for the astronomy enthusiast and a novelty for the casual observer alike. Brenda Culbertson, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, clarified the arrangement in an interview with KSNT. "Venus is higher above the eastern horizon with Saturn lower, and a thin, crescent Moon a bit lower and a little farther north," she explained. "The thin, crescent Moon looks like a smile," according to reports by Live Science.
For those who do not observe the brief celestial alignment, other astronomical events are expected to be visible throughout the month. Venus will remain prominent in the sky, along with Mars, which is identifiable by its red appearance. As per PIX11 these celestial bodies can be viewed with or without the use of telescopes or binoculars, offering continued opportunities for observation.
