Something really cool is about to happen this June in the skies above Michigan that hasn't occurred since December of 2004.

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A rare thing called a planet parade will be visible in the early morning just before sunrise to Michiganders. You should be able to see five planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) stretching across the sky from low in the east to higher in the south.

WHAT IS A PLANET PARADE?

A planet parade is an astronomical event that occurs when planets line up in a row on one side of the Sun at the same time, as seen up above the plane of our Solar System.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLANET PARADES?

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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Yes according to the stargazing app Star Walk there are several types of planet parades

Mini planet parade – 3 planets.

Small planet parade – 4 planets.

Large planet parade – 5 or 6 planets.

Great (full) planet parade – all Solar System’s planets (+ Pluto sometimes).

WHEN CAN YOU SEE THE PLANET PARADE IN MICHIGAN?

Credit: Sky And Telescope Magazine
Credit: Sky And Telescope Magazine
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According to Sky & Telescope magazine, the planetary lineup on June 24th might be the best day. The planet Mercury will be much easier to see, making the five-planet parade that much more accessible. And you’ll have about an hour to enjoy the sight, from when Mercury pops above the horizon to when the rising Sun washes it out of the sky.

TIPS ON SEEING THE PLANET PARADE

Find a place with a clear view low toward the east to maximize your chances of catching Mercury.

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Credit: Canva
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Bring binoculars.
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Credit: Canva
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You’ll also need to make sure you’re in position well in time to enjoy the view of all five planets you’ll have less than half an hour between when Mercury first appears above the horizon and when it essentially gets lost in the glare of the rising sun.
Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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Even If you're not a morning person this might be worth setting an alarm for.

This Stunning Northern Michigan Log Cabin is Available on Airbnb

If you find yourself needing a vacation, a little break from reality, you can always turn to our great state of Michigan. The Mitten State is so multifaceted that you can drive even just a couple of hours away and feel like you're in a completely different place than you were. For instance, a quick drive to Traverse City will have you enjoying a Pure Michigan type of vacation inside this gorgeous log cabin from the 1940s. Check out this chalet that you can rent from Airbnb located in Traverse City. It has all the charm of an old-school cabin with all the amenities of modern life. You can stay in and cuddle up by the fireplace, you can take a dip in the private hot tub, can walk down to the nearby beach, go shopping in the Downtown district, and so much more. Talk a look through this stunning cabin and just imagine your relaxing vacation there.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

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