Stargazing in Singapore: Where to catch the rare planetary alignment
Start planning an astronomy session soon, to catch the five planets in alignment until February 20.
Planet alignment for February 6, 2016. Image: Singapore Science Centre Observatory Facebook page
As many as five planets — Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus and Mercury — will be in alignment from now ‘til Feb 20 in Singapore’s skies for the first time in a decade.
You don’t even need a telescope to view this rare celestial event, which can be seen in the early hours of the morning.
The best timing is said to be from 5.45am to 6.15am, according to Albert Lim, assistant honorary secretary of the Astronomical Society of Singapore (Tasos).
He told local newspaper The Straits Times that the planets can be seen at any location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon, on a day of good weather and clear skies.
If you find it hard to differentiate the twinkling stars from the planets, Jason Kendall of the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York offers a simple tip.
As demonstrated by the amateur astronomer in this video, you should keep one eye shut as you stretch out your arm and move your thumb slowly over the bright dot in the sky. Your view of the dot will dim, if it’s a planet that you’re looking at; if it’s a star, the dot will blink out in a flash.
Alternatively, you could seek the help of astronomy enthusiasts in Singapore.
The Science Centre offers regular stargazing sessions at its observatory. Singapore Sidewalk Astronomy and other local astronomy interest groups also conduct regular stargazing sessions for the public, with enthusiasts setting up their telescopes for free viewing.
For a quick reference of places to go to catch this rare planetary alignment, see the list below.
Science Centre
This observatory is equipped with a main telescope with a 40-cm reflector, a swivelling 5.5-metre stainless steel dome and other facilities. It’s also located right beside the equator, which allows for more constellation views of the northern and southern celestial hemispheres. However, do expect long queues during peak periods.
Should this planetary alignment pique your interest in astronomy, keep an eye out for monthly informative talks by the Science Centre to learn more about the basics of stargazing.
Where: The Observatory (at the Omni-Theatre building), Science Centre, 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081. Admission is free.
When: 7.50pm to 10pm every Friday, subject to weather and cloud conditions. Check the Science Centre Observatory Facebook page for more updates.
Woodlands Galaxy CC Observatory
Besides the usual community club facilities, the Woodlands Galaxy CC also boasts an observatory that’s equipped with a telescope with a 30-cm reflector. Stargazing sessions are typically conducted twice a week at the community centre.
Where: 31 Woodlands Ave 6 Woodlands, Singapore 738991, with an admission fee of $1 per participant; free admission for Passion card members.
When: Every Friday and Saturday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, subject to weather conditions. Visit the observatory’s Facebook page for more details.
Bishan Park-Ang Mo Kio Park
The neighbourhood park is one of the popular meet-up locations for Singapore Sidewalk Astronomy, which sets up telescopes for free stargazing sessions for the public. Hold your stargazing outing at the open fields or check the dates posted on the Singapore Sidewalk Astronomy Facebook page to join fellow enthusiasts in these planet gazing sessions.
Where: Along Ang Mo Kio Ave 1
East Coast Park
Organise your own stargazing session by heading to this park during the early morning hours, while it’s still dark out. Preferred sites within the park should have minimal street lights. Popular areas include the grass field close to the Food Village, the field in between carparks C4 and D1, as well as the field beside carpark E2. You can also downloads free apps such as Sky Map from Google Play or SkyView Free from iTunes to help you identify the stars, constellations and planets that you spot in the night sky.
Where: Along East Coast Park Service Rd, Singapore 449876
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The UNESCO world heritage site is another popular stargazing venue. Singapore Sidewalk Astronomy. Suitable stargazing spots within the garden include the open fields close to Eco Lake (near the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden) and Swan Lake (near the Tyersall Avenue entrance).
Where: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
When: The park is open to visitors from 5am to 12am daily
West Coast Park
Make your way to the western side of the park, along the coastline or fields beside the jetty for stargazing in the early morning. If you drive, park your vehicle at West Coast Park Car Park 3 that’s located close to a McDonald’s outlet beside the West Coast Highway.
Where: Along West Coast Highway
Fort Canning Park
Besides being a popular venue for performances such as Shakespeare in the Park and Ballet Under the Stars, the open field on Fort Canning Green can be as suitable for stargazing too.
Where: Fort Canning Green, along River Valley Rd
Changi Point Coastal Walk
Find your own planet-viewing spot at this scenic coastal walkway. Located near the western end of Changi Point, the walkway offers beautiful sea views; it’s also far away from the bright city lights which make it more conducive for stargazing. The walkway starts at the coastline beside Changi Village and ends at the coastline beside Andover Road.
Where: Changi Point at Changi Beach Park, along Nicoll Drive and Changi Coast Road
