The Land of 10,000 Lakes offers plenty of opportunities to see starry wonders. All you have to do is go to a remote area and look up, and you will likely see a sky full of stars. In fact, Minnesota is even home to an official Dark Sky Park, where conditions align to create one of the best night skies in the entire nation. Luckily, you don’t have to head to the remotest corners of the state to take in the rare celestial event happening in Minnesota this month. You can see it just about anywhere, as long as it’s ark enough! Read on below to learn more about the rare display that is happening in Minnesota and beyond in June 2022:
In June 2022, a rare celestial event is happening that will be visible to the naked eye in Minnesota. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will align in the sky in planetary order.
Tony Webster/Flickr
This unusual event last happened 18 years ago, in 2004. This year’s event is likely to be even better! It will be visible for several weeks starting on June 3.
jck_photos/Flickr
For a front-row seat to the event, get up before dawn and head somewhere with a clear view of the eastern horizon. You will see five planets in alignment!
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The brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter, will be easier to spot. It may be more difficult to see Mercury, which is easily overpowered by the rising sun. The best opportunity will arise on June 24, when Mercury is visible an hour before sunrise.
Jenny Salita/Flickr
This day is also special because the crescent moon will also be in alignment, visible between Venus and Mars. This rare celestial event doesn’t come around too often. Be sure to plan to get up early and see it for yourself this June!
Jason Carpenter/Flickr
Will you look for the planets aligning? Do you have any favorite places to watch the stars? Let us know in the comments, or tell us your favorite spots by filling out our nomination form!
Tony Webster/Flickr
jck_photos/Flickr
dennisbehm/Flickr
Jenny Salita/Flickr
Jason Carpenter/Flickr
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