If you get out tonight or the next couple of nights and look West at Sunset, you will see 5 planets in a relatively close alignment. Mercury will be low and close to the horizon. Next and higher up will be Venus, Mars and Saturn. Also the Moon will be passing below the planets each night.

To best appreciate this, you’ll need to find yourself a high location with a clear view to the West. Our alternate observing location on Tyneside Rd is a good candidate location since the farm across the road has few obstructions. You won’t need any gear to see these.

These planets are not really close enough to be considered a conjunction, but they do make a nice alignment and wide field view.

Here’s a chart from SpaceWeather.com showing the position of the planets and the Moon for the 15th (except for the Moon, it’s valid for nights before and after the 15th).

The 5th planet? Your standing on it of course!