6 Planets To Align In A “Planetary Parade” In the Night Sky This Month!

January's rare 'planet parade' 6 planets aligning in the night sky, visible with or without a telescope!
By Kushani Gunathilaka
January 24, 2025
4:48 GMT-0830
6 Planets To Align In A "Planetary Parade" In the Night Sky This Month!

The night sky is offering a rare treat this month – a “planet parade,” where six planets align in the sky. This phenomenon has captivated astronomers and stargazers for centuries. In January 2025 Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will appear together, making it a must-see celestial event. Let’s dive into what makes this alignment special and how you can witness it.


What Is a Planet Parade and Why Is It Unique?

Planetary alignments occur when several planets appear close together in the sky from Earth’s perspective. While they don’t form a straight line, they cluster on the same side of the sun, creating an impressive display.

Hannah Sparkes, a planetarium supervisor at Florida’s Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, explains, “They’re not in a straight line, but they’re pretty close together on one side of the sun.”

This alignment is particularly unique because it involves six planets visible during evening hours—a rarity compared to early morning alignments. A similar event happened last June, but only two planets could be seen without special equipment.


Which Planets Will Be Visible?

During this planetary gathering, you’ll be able to spot:

Visible to the Naked Eye:

  • Venus: The brightest of all, visible in the western sky near sunset.
  • Mars: A reddish-orange dot rising from the eastern horizon.
  • Jupiter: Dominates the southern sky, nearly as bright as Venus.
  • Saturn: Found in the southwestern sky near Venus.
Image source: CNET

Using Binoculars or a Telescope:

  • Uranus and Neptune: These outer planets require binoculars or telescopes to be seen.

Astronomy educator Hunter Miller notes, “Venus will outshine all the stars in the sky spotted in the West after sunset… Jupiter will be nearly as bright as Venus rising high in the southern sky as the night progresses.”

Additionally, Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s clouds and moons are visible through a telescope, making this event even more special for astronomy enthusiasts.


Bonus Planet: Mercury Joins in February

As a bonus, Mercury will join the parade at the end of February. Although faint, its addition will make the alignment even more exciting before the planets gradually disperse through spring.


When and Where to Watch

Best Times:

The optimal viewing time is between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on clear nights throughout mid-January.

Miller recommends using a sky-observing app like Stellarium to track the planets’ exact positions. Kevin Williams, planetarium director at Buffalo State University, suggests facing south on a cloudless night for the best view.

What to Look For:

  • Venus and Saturn: Glow in the southwestern sky near sunset.
  • Jupiter: Shines in the southern sky.
  • Mars: Visible in the southeast or eastern sky.

Dr. Rebecca Allen, co-director of Swinburne University’s space institute, emphasizes that perspective plays a big role: “They happen to all be in their orbits on the same side of our sun, within the same degrees in our sky, so that we can see them.”


Why Is This Alignment Rare?

This alignment is special for several reasons:

  • More Planets Are Visible: Unlike recent alignments, more planets can be seen at once in the evening hours.
  • Winter Sky Advantage: Clearer skies in winter make planets and stars appear brighter.
  • Lunar Occultation of Mars: Mars will have a close encounter with the moon, a phenomenon that only happens every 26 months.

The alignment also occurs near famous constellations like Orion, Taurus, and Gemini, making it easier to locate the planets.


How to Make the Most of the Planet Parade

  • Binoculars or Telescopes: Use basic equipment to spot Uranus, Neptune, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s moons.
  • Sky Apps: Download apps like Stellarium or consult local observatories for guidance.
  • Family Stargazing: Make it an educational outing for kids. Dr. Allen encourages families, saying, “It’s school holidays. Take the kids out… you can actually use binoculars and see pretty much all of the planets this month.”
  • Photography: Capture the alignment using a DSLR or smartphone. Use long exposure settings for the best results.

Joining local stargazing groups or events can also enhance the experience. According to Con Stoitsis from the Astronomical Society of Victoria, “If you want to sit under the stars and get a deck chair out, I’d say within an hour you’ll probably see half a dozen satellites.”

This January alignment is a beautiful reminder of our place in the universe. As Dr. Allen puts it, “We’re very fortunate, all of us on Earth, that we are going to be seeing this alignment happen in some of the most famous and easily seen summer constellations.”

So grab a telescope, gather your loved ones, and take a moment to marvel at this cosmic wonder. It’s a rare chance to see the planets come together and light up the night sky.

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