Sri Lanka to See Rare “Smiley Face” Alignment of Venus, Saturn & the Moon

Skywatchers in Sri Lanka will be treated to a rare “smiley face” planetary alignment on Friday, April 25, when Venus, Saturn and the Moon form a striking trio low in the eastern dawn sky. Dr. Janaka Adassuriya, Senior Lecturer in Physics at the University of Colombo, says the spectacle will be visible to the naked eye around 5:30 a.m., weather permitting.

“They’ll appear clustered so closely they’ll resemble a giant smiley face,” explains Dr. Adassuriya. “For about an hour before sunrise, those with a clear eastern horizon can enjoy this once‑in‑a‑lifetime show—no telescope required.”

Depending on your location, Mercury may peek into view below the main alignment, though it will remain hidden for many observers. Unlike rare eclipses, this triple conjunction will be visible across most of the globe, offering everyone a chance to spot nature’s celestial grin.