On the eve of India's Independence Day, a rare cosmic event will unfold in the skies. Mars and Jupiter will align in a rare celestial event known as a conjunction.

The two planets will appear just a third of a degree apart in the sky. This separation is notably less than the width of a full Moon, making it a striking sight for stargazers and astronomers.

The conjunction occurs on the eve of India's Independence Day, adding a unique significance to the event for many in the country.

A planetary conjunction occurs when two planets appear to be very close to each other in the sky as seen from Earth. This phenomenon happens because the planets align along the same line of sight from our vantage point, even though they are still millions of miles apart in space.

NASA has highlighted the visibility of this conjunction, noting that both planets will be easily observable with the naked eye, with Jupiter shining brightly and Mars exhibiting its characteristic reddish hue.

The two planets will be positioned against the backdrop of the constellation Taurus, making it an ideal opportunity for amateur astronomers and photography enthusiasts alike to capture this moment.

Conjunctions provide excellent opportunities for astronomers and enthusiasts to observe planets together. Similar planetary conjunctions have been noted throughout history and often held cultural or astrological significance.

Astronomers recommend looking towards the eastern sky just before dawn to witness this spectacular alignment.

As Mars approaches Jupiter, the contrast between the planets will be particularly striking; Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, will outshine Mars significantly. 

Source: India Today