Stargazers are in for a spectacular sight this month as six planets align in the night sky. This phenomenon, known as a planetary parade, promises a captivating experience for both casual observers and astronomy enthusiasts. While the planets won’t form a perfect line, their simultaneous presence in the same part of the sky will undoubtedly be a breathtaking display.
The celestial event can be observed on January 21 and January 25, with the latter offering the best view. On January 25, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will cluster together in the western sky, creating a stunning tableau. Additionally, Jupiter will shine exceptionally bright that evening as it reaches “opposition” — the point where it is directly opposite the Sun from Earth’s perspective, making it appear at its largest and brightest.
The next day, Mercury will join the planetary parade to allow observers to view all seven of the solar system’s planets in one go. However, a telescope is required to see Uranus and Neptune. The planets will be in the sky from sunset to 9:30 PM through mid-February, as per NASA.
While the planets will be visible with the naked eye, they won’t be in a straight line and will instead appear scattered across the sky from east to west. For a better viewing experience, stargazers are advised to visit a place with minimal light pollution and face the southwest horizon. Free applications like Stellarium and Sky Tonight will help observers locate the planets based on their geolocation.
It is important to note that this planetary alignment will be only possible in parts of the world where the moon doesn’t interfere with the event. While it is common to witness planetary alignments, having as many planets align simultaneously is rare. Astronomy enthusiasts are encouraged to check out the planetary parade, especially as it’s also a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of our universe.
Planets can align in the sky because of their unique orbital paths. While some planets can overlap and be seen in the same part of the sky, most have to wait for their turn until the other planets move out of their way.
As a result, there are only certain times of the year when a celestial event like this can occur. So, if you’re planning to see the planetary parade, be sure to mark your calendars!