SAEDNEWS: NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day shows a composite panorama of the night sky over Mount Etna in northeastern Sicily, Italy, captured on January 2. In this enchanting early-evening scene, all the planets of the solar system are visible except Mercury.
According to the Science Service of Saed News, NASA’s Image of the Day showcases a stunning view of the solar system’s planets aligned in the night sky. On the left side of the image, the bright red planet Mars rises nearly opposite the Sun. The planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus—visible even to the naked eye—also appear in the frame. Fainter planets Uranus and Neptune can be clearly seen near the arc of the ecliptic.
Additionally, on the right side of the image, just above the western horizon after sunset, a crescent Moon is visible, its surface partially illuminated by Earthshine. Earth itself is visible, along with the lower crater of Mount Etna’s Silvestri crater.
During January, the early evening sky is packed with planets, offering an excellent opportunity to observe the solar system, especially in areas with clear, dark skies. On January 13 (24 Dey in the Iranian calendar), the Moon will appear nearly full as it passes in front of Mars. Observers in the United States and eastern Canada will have the chance to witness this transit.
