Rare triple conjunction to form smiley face in sky on April 25

ISLAMABAD: On April 25, a rare triple conjunction of Venus, Saturn, and the crescent moon will align to form a “smiley face“ in the pre-dawn sky. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) states that the conjunction will take place above the eastern horizon just before sunrise at approximately 5:30 AM local time.

The bright star Venus will occur above Saturn, and then a thin crescent moon will occur north of the planets to form a triangle – the angle will appear just like a “smiley face.“

According to NASA, the conjunction will be visible to the naked eye in clear weather conditions and will be visible across most locations on the globe. The visibility of the planets and the moon will only last a short time since the sun will rise roughly an hour later.

You may also be able to spot Mercury below the trio, but it will be even lower on the horizon and difficult to see. NASA Solar System Ambassador Brenda Culbertson describes the sight as “a triangle of bright objects that may look like a smiley face to some observers. The crescent Moon will be a smile and the planets will be the eyes.“