‘Smiley face’ from space will be visible worldwide Friday — thanks to rare planetary alignment

Skywatchers worldwide are successful for a charming cosmic show earlier the Sun rises Friday, as three celestial bodies will look successful adjacent conjunction.

The statement of Venus, Saturn and a slender crescent Moon will create a unsocial ocular arena resembling a smiling look successful nan sky, according to NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Brenda Culbertson.

The 2 planets will enactment arsenic nan “eyes” of nan “smile,” pinch nan delicate crescent Moon forming nan “mouth,” Culbertson detailed. Venus will beryllium nan brighter of nan 2 planets. 

This alignment will beryllium visible to anyone who has a clear position of nan eastbound sky before sunrise.

“I checked Stellarium software, and I went to different points connected Earth, and it’s a global thing,” Culbertson noted to FOX Weather. “So anyone connected Earth should beryllium capable to spot it if you are successful a bully position.”

Three celestial bodies will look successful adjacent conjunction earlier nan sun rises connected Friday, creating a group of “eyes” and a “smile.” Brenda Culbertson via Stellarium

The viewing model will only beryllium astir an hr aliases 2 owed to nan Moon rising comparatively adjacent to sunrise. William Thornton – stock.adobe.com

While nan arena is not considered a awesome astronomical occurrence for illustration a total solar eclipse, it offers a beautiful and different show for early risers. 

The viewing model will beryllium limited, arsenic nan Moon rises comparatively adjacent to sunrise, allowing for perchance only an hr aliases 2 to witnesser nan grin from nan heavens.

The “smiley face” conjunction adds to a bid of celestial events captivating stargazers this month. Notably, the Lyrid meteor shower peaked Monday night.