There's an amazing planetary line-up visible with the naked eye that you'll be able to see over the next two mornings if you get up early!

I got up at 5.30 am this morning (Monday 30th Australian East Coast Time) ' Jupiter was visible and the crescent moon.  By 6.15 Mars, Venus and Mercury had all risen and the best viewing time for the whole five of them was from 6.15 ' 6.45 ' absolutely beautiful as the sky turned a golden grey colour prior to sunrise.   Tomorrow (Tuesday 31st May) the crescent moon will be slap bang between Mars and Venus at 6.30 am ' should look amazing if the sky is clear.   It's very unusual to be able to see four planets, plus the Sun and Moon all in the same part of the sky with the naked eye. You'll be able to see the same thing on Wednesday morning though the moon may not be so clearly visible as it's getting smaller each day.  

The planets all rise where the sun rises (north east ' easterly direction) so if you can see sunrise from your bedroom you'll be able to lie in bed and watch the pre dawn show.  Otherwise you'll need to get up early and get outside to check it out for yourself.  If you live elswhere in the world, the same planets will rise before sunrise so just pick a time about 45 minutes before the sun rises in your geographical location and you'll be fine.

The planets will rise in this order on the 31st May.   Jupiter (big and bright), Mars (small and reddish)  Moon (waning crescent)  Venus (big and bright)  Mercury (small and bright)  Sun (well I hope you all know what the sun looks like'. but it will be too bright to see the other planets once the sun rises, so you must be out at around 6.15 -6.45 am to catch the planet show)  Hope you enjoy it!  Hope the sky is clear!!

Stella Woods
www.stellastarwoman.com