Rare alignment of 5 planets peaks Friday as crescent moon joins the parade

Friday morning could be the best time to view a rare planetary alignment that has greeted early risers this month and will not happen again until 2040. 

Throughout June, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have lined up from left to right in the southeastern sky, in their orbital order from the sun. 

On Friday (June 24) the “planet parade” will be joined by a special guest as the crescent moon slots in between Venus and Mars, acting as a “stand-in” for Earth in the planetary procession. According to a statement (opens in new tab)from Sky&Telescope, Mercury should rise about an hour before the sun on Friday, meaning there is ample time to snag a glimpse of the whole parade before the sun puts an end to the viewing party.

Read more: https://www.space.com/rare-planetary-alignment-moon-joins-June-2022