Have you read the news? From January 21 to February 20 this year, five planets will appear together in the skies for the first time in a decade, and they will be to the naked eye in the early hours!
The five planets are Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus and Mercury, and you can watch them in the skies right here in Singapore.
Here are our suggestions on places to stargaze, and to check out this celestial spectacle.
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Science Centre Observatory
Located next to the equator, the Science Centre Observatory allows stargazers to view constellations in both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres. In addition to state of the art facilities and elaborate telescopes, the Observatory also has a classroom for astronomy lessons, slide shows, and public talks. Do pick up a star map on your way in!
The Observatory – Singapore Science Centre Omnitheatre
Address: 21 Jurong Town Hall Road
Opening Hours: Every Friday, 7.45PM-10PM
Admission: Free
Closed on Public Holidays
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Andromeda Observatory
Did you know that we actually have two observatories in Singapore? Situated in Woodlands Galaxy Community Club, Andromeda is the lesser-known observatory that opened in 2013. It boasts of a 30cm telescope, the second largest accessible to the public in Singapore, after the 40cm one at the Science Centre Observatory. Here, you can catch glimpses of star clusters and the Andromeda Galaxy, depending on viewing conditions.
Andromeda Observatory
Address: Woodlands Galaxy Community Club, 31 Woodlands Avenue 6
Opening Hours: Every Friday and Saturday, 7.30PM-9.30PM
Admission: $1 per visit
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West Coast Park
With ample and family-friendly facilities like outdoor adventure playgrounds, barbecue pits and camping grounds, West Coast Park is the go-to for families living in the southwest of Singapore. Head out to the sprawling Grand Lawn for a clear unblocked view of the night skies. There’s also a McDonalds outlet nearby to grab some light snacks for a picnic under the stars.
West Coast Park – Parallel to West Coast Highway
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Fort Canning Green
This lush green lawn is of no stranger to us, playing host to a myriad of events such as Shakespeare in the Park, Ballet Under the Stars, and outdoor concerts. If you’re in town and looking for something to do, why not take an after-dinner stroll to Fort Canning Green to watch the starry skies?
Fort Canning Green – Accessible by an escalator behind the National Museum of Singapore
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Changi Point Coastal Walk
Also known as Changi Boardwalk, Changi Point Coastal Walk is nestled at the western end of Changi Point. It consists of six distinct sections, and offers a clear stunning view of the coastline. Apart from stars, you may even see planes dotting the night sky.
Changi Point Coastal Walk
Address: 51 Lorong Bekukong, Changi East
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Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fringing our shopping district, the Singapore Botanic Gardens offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of crowds at Orchard Road. Enjoy some serenity in our very first UNESCO World Heritage Site, a status accorded just last year in 2015. Open fields for stargazing are aplenty here. These include the spaces near the Eco Lake, Symphony Lake, Swan Lake, and the Bandstand. Bring along a picnic basket and you’re all set!
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Eco Lake: Enter via Bukit Timah Gate
Symphony Lake: Enter via Nassim Gate
Swan Lake and Bandstand: Enter via Tanglin Gate
Opening Hours: Daily, 5AM-12 midnight
Admission: Free
Featured Image Credit: Telegraph
