Fact Check: Maha Kumbh pilgrims witness rare celestial phenomenon? No, image is from Australia in 2022

As the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh comes to an end, an image of a rare celestial phenomenon went viral. Those sharing the image claim that it shows Jupiter, Saturn, the Sun and the Moon lining up caught on camera at Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh.

A social media user shared the image and wrote, “A rare divine photo taken late at night in Prayagraj. Here, for the first time in 144 years, Jupiter, Saturn, the sun and the moon were seen lined up. Perhaps now the younger generation will understand the importance of bathing in Maha Kumbh!!” (Translated from Hindi)

SouthCheck found that the claim is false. The viral image was shot in Australia in 2022.

On a Google reverse image search, we found the same image shared by a Facebook page on May 1, 2022. The caption read, “Divine lights! Saturn, Mars, Venus, Jupiter and a waning crescent moon just before sunrise 28 April 2022 - Perth, Australia. Credit: Ren Theelen.” The viral image is the same image found on the Facebook page except for the difference in hues.

We found the image on another Facebook page. Both pages credited the image to a person named Ren Theelen.

Taking a hint, we searched with relevant keywords and found the same image shared on the Instagram page of Ren Theelen on April 28, 2022, with the caption, “Planets and moon at Drakesbrook Wier.”

We tried contacting him, and the story will be updated as and when he responds.

Therefore, we conclude that the viral claim is false.