The United States Aerospace Agency (NASA) has said that January 20 is a rare opportunity for people on Earth to observe the beautiful blue planet in our solar system: Uranus.
According to CNET, Uranus is generally very small due to its very great distance from Earth and the Sun, which makes it difficult to see in the night sky. However, on January 20, the Moon and Mars will help “guide” astronomers in the search for this blue planet.
It’s an easy opportunity to see Uranus through binoculars or a telescope, NASA says. Specifically, the crescent moon will rise a few hours after sunset, from which we will look for red-orange Mars. Uranus will appear pale blue in the field of view between Mars and the Moon.
Uranus is the seventh planet in the solar system, with its beautiful blue color. Because it is located very far from the Sun, the planet is very cold. Clouds over Uranus contain hydrogen sulfide (H2S) which smells like rotten eggs.
Planets closer to Earth like Mars and Saturn are brighter in the night sky, so we are often drawn to them and ignore paler objects.
Uranus isn’t mentioned as one of the flashiest planets, but many consider it an undervalued “gem”. January 20 will be a rare good time for us to have the opportunity to admire the beauty of this blue gem.
