'Smiley face' in space to appear over Kansas, here's when

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansans who turn their eyes skyward, and use a little imagination, will have a chance to spot a rare smiley face in space later this month.

27 News spoke with NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Brenda Culbertson about the upcoming celestial event to learn how people can best enjoy it. She said that at 5:30 a.m. on the morning of April 25, there will be a conjunction of Venus, Saturn and the moon in the sky forming an odd sight.

"Venus is higher above the eastern horizon with Saturn lower, and a thin, crescent Moon a bit lower and a little farther north," Culbertson said. "The thin, crescent Moon looks like a smile. To some people, the triangle of bright objects may appear as a smiley face."

People will only have a short amount of time to enjoy this rare occurrence. Culbertson said the window of opportunity to view this event will be narrow as the sun rises at around 6:30 a.m. on the day of the conjunction.

"Anyone wanting to try for a glimpse of the conjunction should find a clear eastern horizon from which to observe," Culbertson said. "No special equipment is needed."

Mercury will also be present below the other planets and the moon on the same day, according to NASA. For more information on the conjunction and other astronomical events happening in April, click here.

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