Viewing the Planetary Alignment: Our Guide on When and Where
Six planets will align, but not all are easily visible. Here’s the explanation.
Stargazers are in for a spectacular show this January with a rare alignment of six planets.
According to EarthSky, a site for star enthusiasts, this alignment, often called a “planet parade,” will occur just after sunset. The planets involved are Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn. However, not all will be visible to the naked eye; for Uranus and Neptune, you’ll require powerful binoculars or a telescope.
While it’s not unusual for a couple of planets to line up in the sky, witnessing four or five at once is a rarer sight, as noted by NASA. The alignment first occurred last Tuesday and will happen again next week on Sunday, Monday, and Friday. The prime viewing opportunity will be at the beginning of February.
How Does the Alignment Occur?
The planets revolve around the sun in our solar system, meaning they occasionally pass by each other in their orbits. Because they travel along the same path, known as the ecliptic, they appear aligned from Earth’s viewpoint, as explained by NASA. However, this alignment won’t last long since each planet travels at its own pace.
Where to Observe the Planetary Alignment
To catch a glimpse of the alignment, look towards the southern sky about 90 minutes after the sun sets. This display will be visible in most places across the Northern Hemisphere, provided the weather cooperates.
Even with the aid of binoculars or a telescope, both Uranus and Neptune will appear faint, with Neptune looking more like a star. On the other hand, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus should be clearly seen without assistance.
Overview of the Visible Planets
For this particular alignment, Mercury will be hidden on the opposite side of the sun, making it challenging to spot.
With eight planets in our solar system, each has fascinating characteristics. Here’s a brief overview of the planets aligning this month:
Next Upcoming Alignments
◾ Feb. 28: Seven planets – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. (The last occurrence of all seven aligning was on April 8 during the total solar eclipse).
◾ Aug. 29, 2025: Six planets – Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
CONTRIBUTING Eric Lagatta and Jim Sergent
SOURCE EarthSky.org, StarWalk.space, NASA, Sky and Telescope, Astronomy.com and YSL News research
