Four planets aligning on horizon | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

John Carson of Mowhanau likes to get up early and this autumn his habit has been rewarded by a spectacular display in the dawn sky.

Four of Earth's fellow planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter - are attracting attention across the world for their close grouping in the morning sky.

Astronomy enthusiast Mr Carson has been watching the four planets "wandering" about the north-east horizon for the past few weeks.

"It's been interesting to see how quickly their positions change. I've noticed that Venus and Mercury are sinking, while Mars and Jupiter are rising."

Mr Carson has been a keen star gazer ever since a bright comet was seen in New Zealand's skies about three years ago.

"That really sparked my interest, I've taught myself the geography of the stars," he said.

He has also bought himself a telescope which he uses as often as the skies are clear.

Mr Carson said such a significant cluster of planets will not be seen for another 30 years.

Grant Christie from Stardome Observatory in Auckland said while there was nothing significant about the grouping of planets, it was a wonderful sight.

"It's just a coincidence that they all happen to be there at the same time," Dr Christie said.

The best time to see the planetary display is between 6 and 6.30 on a clear morning.

The planets are clearly visible on the north-east horizon, with Jupiter at the highest altitude and Venus, Mercury and Mars grouped together closer to the horizon.

The brightest of the planets is Earth's neighbour Venus, which Dr Christie said is very white in colour.

"Jupiter, by contrast, has a more yellowish tone to it."

Mercury is the most elusive planet, as it is close to the sun and moves quickly across the sky. From Earth it is only ever seen close to the horizon, around sunrise and sunset.

"Some professional astronomers go through their careers without ever seeing Mercury.

It's a very elusive planet," Dr Christie said.

Mercury would only be seen in the sky for the next few days.

He said Earth's other neighbour, Mars, is the faintest of the planet grouping, although that would change later in the year as Mars' path brings it closer to Earth.

Dr Christie said during the next few days the waning crescent moon would be appear on the eastern horizon near the planets, adding to the spectacle.

"It will be a really pretty sight."

The fifth planet visible to the naked eye from Earth, Saturn, can also be easily seen in the sky at the moment and you don't have to get out of bed early to see it.

Saturn, which Dr Christie said was yellowish-red in colour, can be seen in the northern part of the sky in the evenings, at a height of about 40 degrees.