French astrophotographer Gwenaël Blanck has unveiled a breathtaking composite image, capturing the moon alongside six planets of our solar system. Taken on February 2 from Paris, the photograph showcases a rare alignment of celestial bodies, offering a unique opportunity to compare their apparent sizes as seen from Earth. This remarkable portrayal highlights the moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, arranged from closest to farthest from our planet.
Blanck achieved this stunning display by meticulously capturing individual shots of each object between 6:30 p.m. and 7:50 p.m. local time. Utilizing a digital camera attached to a telescope, he ensured each image maintained the same magnification settings. This approach accurately scales the apparent sizes of these celestial objects, allowing viewers a precise comparison. The composite provides an insightful depiction of their relative dimensions in the night sky.
"I had to start quite early, shortly after sunset, to image Venus and Saturn before they were too low on the horizon," remarked Gwenaël Blanck.
Blanck explained the challenges involved in capturing the distant Neptune, which was not far from the horizon.
"Neptune was also not far away [from the horizon]," he noted. "It was probably the most difficult to capture."
Fortunately, other celestial bodies proved less elusive.
"The Moon, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars were easier to capture, as they were higher in the sky," said Blanck.
This planetary parade coincides with several astronomical events. Venus, known affectionately as the "love planet," is set to reach its peak brightness just in time for Valentine's Day on February 14. Meanwhile, the alignment of all seven planets in a near-straight line along the horizon will culminate in late February and early March. During this period, under favorable conditions, five planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn—will be visible to the naked eye. For those equipped with a telescope, Uranus and Neptune will also be observable alongside their brighter counterparts.
The current celestial arrangement has already offered memorable moments, including an earlier alignment of six of the seven planets in late January and an occultation of Mars by the moon on February 9. Notably, Mercury will emerge into view towards the end of February and early March.
Blanck's recent work on the solar maximum has garnered significant attention. It won "best space submission" at the 2024 Aerospace Media Awards and was shortlisted in the "top scoop" category at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence in 2023. In addition to his astrophotography endeavors, Blanck contributes to Live Science's weekly Earth from space series, providing readers with fascinating insights into our planet's perspective from above.
