A spectacular planetary alignment offers a rare sighting of six visible planets in the sky
Skywatchers are in for a treat as a rare planetary parade unfolds in the night sky this January. On January 21, 2025, a dazzling spectacle will see six planets from our solar system—Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus—visible to the naked eye in a stunning celestial alignment.
This planetary parade, lasting from January 21 to late February, offers the perfect opportunity for stargazers to witness these planets from various locations across the globe. While Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible without a telescope, Neptune and Uranus, due to their distant locations, will require a telescope to spot. For the best views, skywatchers should aim to look shortly after sunset, around 8:30 p.m. local time, when the planets will begin to appear in the sky.
The best time to view the planets will be during the week of January 29, which coincides with the new moon. The absence of moonlight during this phase reduces light pollution, making it easier to spot Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn, particularly for those in the Northern Hemisphere. The alignment of the planets makes for a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience, with Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus visible until just before sunrise.
In the final days of February, the planetary parade will expand to include Mercury, making it a seven-planet spectacle. However, this will be more challenging to view as Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune will be close to the horizon and right next to the setting sun. This will make the sighting of all seven planets difficult, requiring careful planning and optimal conditions to catch a glimpse.
To fully appreciate the parade, skywatchers may need to use a telescope, especially for observing Neptune and Uranus. A telescope with at least an 8-inch aperture at 50x magnification is recommended to see Uranus and its rings. For Neptune, 150x magnification will be required, and even a modest 25x magnification will allow for stunning views of Saturn’s iconic rings. Light pollution is a significant obstacle, so heading to darker, rural areas will give the best chance to spot the planetary parade.
While you won’t need special equipment to see the parade’s more prominent planets, enthusiasts should take advantage of apps such as Stellarium, Star Walk 2, and Time and Date’s Night Sky Map to help track the movement of the planets and ensure they are in the right position.
This celestial event will be visible from most regions in the US, Canada, and Mexico, making it a global opportunity for stargazers. As the planets glide through the sky in their cosmic dance, this rare alignment promises to deliver a visual feast for skywatchers.
