The objects will be spaced farther apart than a typical smiley might suggest, with the lineup also tilted at an angle, says AccuWeather.It's being billed as a one-time-only event — making it a rare chance for skywatchers to catch the moon and three neighboring planets sharing the same stage.

When a planet's orbit brings it between Earth and a distant star, it's more than just a cosmic game of hide and seek. It's an opportunity for NASA to improve its understanding of that planet's atmosphere and rings.