-Anand Kumar Barkur
Astronomy enthusiasts and the general public will have a special opportunity to witness a rare celestial event — a Planetary Parade — from Bennekudru, Barkur, on Saturday, February 28, from 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM.
During this spectacular astronomical event, six to seven planets — including Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune (or Uranus) — will align in a rare straight-line formation across the night sky, an phenomenon known as a Planetary Parade. When viewed from Earth, all these planets will appear in a single line, making it an extraordinary and memorable sight.
The planets will be visible through a world-record-holding, high-powered telescope invented by R. Manohar, a retired employee of MIT, Manipal, whose telescope has received global recognition as one of the most powerful of its kind.
The event will be held facing west, near the bridge at Sri Kulamahasthri Amma Temple, Bennekudru, Barkur. Local businessman Venkatramana Bhandarkara will inaugurate the programme.
Admission is completely free, and students from schools and colleges, astronomy enthusiasts, and the general public are all warmly welcome to attend.
The event has been organised by Ganesh Raj Saralebettu, a social activist and event organiser, who has appealed to the community to make the most of this rare opportunity to witness one of nature's most breathtaking celestial displays.