2021 will have two of the four planetary triads of this decade
KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 08
This decade's second planetary trio is here - this time with Mercury, Venus and Jupiter.
The year 2021 will see two of the four planetary trios of the 203rd decade, that is, from January 1, 2021 till December 31, 2030. On January 10, 2021, the first planetary trio of Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn was observed, however, the sight was compromised due to poor visibility in many places, including Kathmandu valley.
The second triad of Mercury, Venus and Jupiter will be visible on February 13. The third will be seen on April 20, 2026 (Mercury, Mars, and Saturn) and the fourth on June 16, 2028 (Mercury, Venus, and Mars).
Among Mercury, Jupiter and Venus, Mercury will be the hardest planet to spot. It was there in the evening sky in the first week of February and will be in the morning sky in the last three weeks of February. Mercury and Saturn will show a quasi-conjunction on February 23, 2021.
However, there is a chance to locate three morning planets -- Venus, Jupiter and Saturn -- this week with a little assistance of the moon.
These three will appear close to the waning moon on February 8, 9 and 10, until on February 11 when the moon completely disappears with the sunrise.
However, this will be quite a challenge for a novice enthusiast but a binocular can help. Start looking for the triad before the sunrise towards the eastern horizon.
It is easier to locate Venus first as it is the brightest one. Jupiter will be there below Venus, and Saturn above Venus.
Venus has been spotted in the morning sky since August 2020, now it is getting close to the sunrise and will disappear in the glare around March. With that, Jupiter and Saturn in its stead will appear more visibly in the morning sky.
All the while, Mars is dimming in the night sky; it can be located high up in the sky and will slowly move westward to finally sink into the horizon.
