The planetary alignment astronomical spectacle will be staged tonight (Feb. 28), and Hong Kong will also be able to enjoy this phenomenon! DotDotNews has put together a comprehensive guide for you, including the best time, location and tips for viewing the event.
The planetary alignment refers to the rare sight of the seven planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune - all linked together in the sky. The streak will last for about 4 hours and 17 minutes, so if you miss it, you will have to wait until 2040 to see it again.
Best time to watch
According to the Hong Kong Space Museum, the best time to see the seven planets is between 9 pm and 1 am tonight, when the alignment of the seven planets is most obvious and the visual effect is most impressive. It is recommended to start observing after sunset when the sky is dark, facing southwest, the seven planets will be arranged in the night sky from low to high.
Five hot spots for stargazing
In order to avoid light pollution in the urban area, the Hong Kong Space Museum recommends the following five low-light pollution observation sites: Hung Hom Promenade, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Hong Kong Space Museum Observatory Astropark, Hok Tsui, and the main dam of Tai Mei Tuk Plover Cove Reservoir.
Viewing tools and notes
According to the Hong Kong Space Museum, Venus, Jupiter and Mars can only be seen with the naked eye. Mercury and Saturn are difficult to distinguish because they are close to the horizon and are disturbed by twilight, while Uranus and Neptune are too far away and not bright enough to be seen with the help of high-powered telescopes and positioning programs. In addition, cell phones should be avoided to prevent night vision from being affected, and it is recommended to arrive at the observing site 30 minutes earlier to allow your eyes to adapt to the light changes.
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