The Celestial Spectacle: A Planetary Cross Aligns

Astronomers note that planets continue to align around the Sun. Currently, images arriving from space already show three celestial bodies – Mercury, Venus, and Mars. The culmination of this unique 21st-century event is expected in just a week, on January 21-22, when Mercury approaches the Sun and the final symmetrical configuration is formed – a cross of four bodies, with the Sun and Mercury forming the vertical axis and Venus and Mars forming the horizontal axis.

The anticipated convergence to an angle of about 3 degrees, coupled with such a symmetrical configuration, as scientists previously stated, will be unique for at least the current century.

This astronomical event, known as a ‘planetary parade,’ is a rare occurrence when planets appear to line up from Earth’s perspective. Historically, such alignments have been significant not just for their celestial attractions but also for the slight gravitational effects they can have, although minimal. The interest in these planetary alignments also stems from their historical associations with various cultural interpretations throughout human history.