Rare ‘Smiley Face’ Planetary Alignment Visible Over Montana This Week

There is a reason that Montana is called the "Big Sky State", it's a fantastic place to look up in the dark and get some magnificent views of our universe.

Recently we have been able to have some great views of the Northern Lights in areas that haven't had cloud cover.

This week there is a special event that is going to light up the sky with a "smile". In order to see this happen, you are going to have to set that alarm pretty early.

Right now a lot of Montana's weather for the event looks pretty ideal according to the National Weather Service. Of course, that could always change.

If you have the chance to get up early Friday morning and look to the Eastern horizon, you will be able to see Venus, Saturn, and the moon align for a "smiley face" in the sky. Look for Venus to be the higher "eye" on the face.

Related: This Tiny Montana Town Is One of the Best in America to See the Northern Lights

According to Popular Science, at about 3:30 a.m. Montana time before the sun starts to rise you should be able to see this event. It should last about an hour. Depending on the cloud coverage, it should also be visible to the naked eye.

Once again Montana has some of the best places to view events happening in our skies. Even though the Lyrid Meteor Shower has peaked, you still may get a glimpse of a meteor or two in the morning.

Related: Grab A Blanket: Montana's Skies Are About to Light Up With Meteors 

Read More: Two Beautiful Montana Locations That Have Dark Skies 

So don't forget to set those alarms and keep your eyes to the Eastern horizon this Friday for a smile to start your day.