Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will be aligned in the night sky from January 20 through to late February; visible just before dawn. This celestial spectacle will be visible to the naked eye.

The last time these planets appeared in the sky together was 10 years ago, in January 2005.

Make sure not to miss this spectacular sight!

See http://earthsky.org/science-wire/when-will-all-five-visible-planets-appear-simultaneously for more information.

Tip on how to distinguish between a star and a planet on the night sky: if you stare for few seconds at a star then it starts “blinking” (maybe even change colour); but if it’s brightness doesn’t change, then you are looking at a planet!

Here are some links for various free tools (web, pc programs, mobile apps) to help you witness this spectacle:

• Web:
  • http://neave.com/planetarium/
  • http://nineplanets.org/tour/
  • http://www.heavens-above.com/
• PC:
  • http://www.stellarium.org/
• Mobile/tablets apps:
  • https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.noctuasoftware.stellarium
  • https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stellarium-mobile/id643165438?mt=8
  • http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=305793334&mt=8 
  • https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.qcontinuum.planets
  • https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heavens_above.viewer