(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Jo Seung-han = The National Gwacheon Science Museum announced on the 17th that it will hold a special observation event for a planetary alignment phenomenon around the observatory and planetarium on the evening of the 25th, starting at 6:30 PM.
This planetary alignment involves Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, the solar system planets, appearing in the night sky simultaneously, excluding Earth.
The Gwacheon Science Museum explained that the planetary alignment would occur over several days around the 21st and emphasized that it is rare for six planets to appear in the sky at the same time.
Since the orbital planes of the eight planets in our solar system are almost identical, they appear close to the ecliptic in the sky. Thus, connecting the visible positions of the planets on this day can approximate the location of the ecliptic.
If the sky is clear, Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn can be seen with the naked eye, and Uranus and Neptune can also be observed through a telescope.
The observation event will be open to the public without age restrictions and will include special programs such as public lectures and special screenings at the planetarium.
Director Han Hyung-joo of the Gwacheon Science Museum stated, “This event will offer an opportunity to explore our universe and the planets of the solar system in various ways,” adding, “I hope it will be a meaningful time for children who aspire to be space scientists and for adults who seek to find leisure in life while meeting the universe at the Science Museum.”