5 Planets Parade Across The Sky Saturday: How To See It In Wisconsin

WISCONSIN — Set your alarm for an early wakeup on Saturday if you want a chance to see a rare planetary alignment before sunrise including Saturn, Neptune, Jupiter, Uranus and Mercury.

It will all depend on the weather around Wisconsin, but fortunately, much of the state is expecting clear skies and dry weather. On Saturday morning, the National Weather Service forecast a sunny day with a high near 78. Friday night should be mostly clear.

Timing is everything. Mercury will be the last planet to make an appearance, about an hour before sunrise, which is at 5:12 a.m.

With Mercury down at the horizon and Saturn higher in the sky, you’ll be able to see the planets until sunrise. Jupiter and Saturn will be pretty bright and easy to spot. Mercury will be a bit dimmer, though you still may be able to see it without binoculars or a small telescope. However, you will need one of those to see the dimmest of the planets, Neptune and Uranus.

Five planets paraded across the sky in March, and there will be a three-planet lineup in July.

Related: 2023 Guide To Meteor Showers, Supermoons And Full Moons

If you do plan to take it in, scout out a good location ahead of time. Get as far away from city lights as you can. An unobstructed view from a perfectly flat vantage point with no obstructions is ideal. Water horizons are a good place to check out. Just make sure there aren’t a lot of trees or buildings in the way.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.