The Solar System always intrigues us with its diverse celestial wonders. Notable features include the radiant Sun, the impressive Jupiter and Saturn with distinctive rings, and the distinct characteristics of each planet. Earth is distinguished by its blue oceans and green lands, while Mars exhibits a desert-like red landscape. Beyond, Uranus and Neptune are icy planets. The occasional appearance of shooting stars is attributed to the passage of comets and asteroids.
Recently, some of the fascinating facts about the solar system have surfaced on the internet. A query regarding the visibility of planets near Earth has gone viral. The question highlights its comparison with the Sun, which despite its greater distance of approximately 151.40 million kilometres is visible to us.
This inquiry prompts an exploration into the factors affecting the visibility of nearby planets, considering luminosity, reflective properties and relative positions. The investigation aims to unravel the complexities contributing to the absence of these neighbouring celestial bodies, providing a clearer understanding of the dynamics at play in our cosmic surroundings.
The size of the Sun is the reason behind its clear visibility despite the distance, while the Moon’s proximity is what makes it easily observable, irrespective of its size. Planets like Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn usually require special equipment. But campliveoakfl.com reports that aside from the Sun and Moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter can also be seen with the naked eye under specific conditions. The right location and time are crucial as these planets rely on sunlight for visibility.
Mercury, being the closest planet to the Sun, should theoretically be easily visible due to abundant sunlight. Nonetheless, it’s best observed when it’s about 10 degrees above the horizon, visible during sunrise and sunset. To spot Mercury, one needs to be in the Northern Hemisphere between April and May, looking west in the evening. Venus is visible in the west during the evening and in the east during the morning for 11 months, excluding June. Mars, situated in the opposite direction of the Sun, is visible at any time.
The report highlights optimal observation times for Jupiter during nights, particularly when Venus is less visible in June. Saturn, on the other hand, is visible without a telescope from May to July, presenting itself in the western sky after sunset as it travels from east to west.