Start looking up about 30 minutes after sunset, around 6:30 p.m. local time
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The Parade of Planets featuring all seven planets in our solar system other than earth (for obvious reasons) will be visible almost worldwide this evening.
Generally, the skies outside of highly lit urban areas will provide better viewing locations. So, while most folks across Canada should be able to see the planetary parade, venturing to dark sky locations will provide the best views, reports CNET.com.
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It’s best to start looking up about 30 minutes after sunset, around 6:30 p.m. local time. Look toward the western horizon for Mercury and Saturn, which will set quickly. Venus, Mars, and Jupiter will be visible for longer periods throughout the night.
While all seven planets will be visible, you’ll need a telescope to see Uranus and Neptune clearly.
According to the experts, here are the best places to look up.
Where are the best places in Canada to see the Parade?
In Ontario, head to Bruce Peninsula National Park, known for its clear skies and minimal light pollution, offering stunning views of the night sky.
Gordon’s Park on Manitoulin Island is renowned for its dark skies and high-quality stargazing opportunities. So is North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve with its unspoiled night sky view with minimal light interference.
Or check out Agawa Bay Scenic Lookout in Lake Superior Provincial Park, which offers breathtaking night sky views over the great lake.
If you’re a city dweller, don’t despair. At least some of the planets will be visible over Toronto.
In Western Canada, Saskatchewan has a few good viewing spots. The first is Grasslands National Park, known to be the darkest dark-sky preserve in Canada, perfect for deep-space object observation, according to the federal government that names this spot as one of the 13 best stargazing spots in the country.
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Cypress Hills Dark Sky Preserve in Saskatchewan is also known for its clear skies and reliable cloudless nights. Over in Manitoba, head to Whiteshell Provincial Park, which offers dark skies and peaceful surroundings for stargazing.
In Quebec, Mont-Mégantic Dark Sky Reserve features a renowned observatory and dark skies. Au Diable Vert Outdoor Centre is said to provide excellent stargazing opportunities in the Eastern Townships.
Popular skiing area, Mont Tremblant also offers clear skies and elevated vantage points for stargazing.
On the West Coast, head to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. The UBC Department of Physics and Astronomy is hosting an observing event on the roof of the Hebb building.
In eastern Canada, Cape Breton’s south coast is known for its inky-dark skies, especially near historic Louisbourg. However, North Mountain in the Cape Breton Highlands also offers clear skies and elevated vantage points.
On mainland Nova Scotia, Kejimkujik National Park is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, says novascotia.com, and a great spot for stargazers.
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In New Brunswick, Mount Carleton Provincial Park is also a designated dark-sky preserve with minimal light pollution, according to saltscapes.com. Or check out Kouchibouguac National Park, a dark sky preserve since 2009. Or Fundy National Park, which was designated as a dark sky reserve in 2011.
In Prince Edward Island, rural areas away from the lights of Charlottetown and Summerside are the best bets for Islanders and visitors.
Where can viewers see the Parade of Planets outside of Canada?
Perhaps you’re travelling outside Canada. Cities like New York, Mexico City, Tokyo, and London offer good viewing opportunities, though the exact dates may vary slightly depending on your location.
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