>>If I understood correctly, towards the end of this month (April 2002) you can see all five visible planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) in a single quadrant (towards the west, right after sunset).
>>
>>If this information is correct, better start preparing for the end-of-the-world - after all, this specific configuration has only happened a few millions of times before (assuming stable orbits during the last few million years).
>>
>>Hilmar.
>
>In the UK the event started on 20th April, to the west of Orion & all 5 forming a straight line. In about 2 weeks, 3 of the planets will form an equilateral triangle in the middle of the other 2 planets. The next time this will happen is in roughly 100 years.
>
>We have had several weeks of fine weather with clear skies, but on 20th April the skies clouded over & have remained that way (in the early evening at least) since, so unfortunately I have not been able to see it.
>
>Just a short while ago, there was also a comet that should have been visible to the naked eye, but this coincided with clear skies & an exceptionally bright full moon, combined with the town lights, only the very brightest stars were visible.

Thanks for the additional information.

Did you hear any rumors about an impending eotw? I didn't - yet - but every time there is a relatively rare configuration of the planets...

I still have to identify all the planets. "Das Himmelsjahr" (annual astronomical guide) can help here. Venus is obvious - Jupiter, too (being the second-brightest object). I didn't see Mercury yet. Mars and Saturn might be about the same brightness, so I will have to consult the Himmelsjahr (Mars is supposed to be red, but I don't distinguish colors very well, at low intensities).

Hilmar.