The Planetary Parade, 2025. Credit: Shutterstock, AstroStar
Stargazers are rejoicing because this January and February, the night sky is offering a rare celestial treat: six planets aligning.
This phenomenon is often referred to as a “planetary parade.” This cosmic display will captivate stargazers across the globe and is an event not to be missed.
Will there be a planetary alignment in 2025?
The alignment features Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Uranus and Neptune. Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars will be visible to the naked eye as bright points of light. Mars will stand out with its characteristic orange hue. For those with telescopes, Uranus and Neptune will be visible, though they won’t be as prominent to the unaided eye.
The alignment is starting today, January 25, and will continue until February. The best time to catch this spectacle is about 90 minutes after sunset in a location with clear, dark skies. As Pamela Gay, a senior scientist with the Planetary Science Institute, explained to The Weather Channel:
“This combination of getting everything within the sky at the same time is the real challenge for night sky watchers. Most of the time, you have to wait for something to rise, but now they’re all there together.”
How to see the six planets align in 2025
For optimal stargazing, winter skies are particularly clear due to colder air holding less moisture. So, wrap up warm, get cosy and enjoy the celestial show. The next major alignment visible from Earth won’t occur until 2040, so this is a must-see event.
As NASA notes in its January night sky update, “These multi-planet viewing opportunities aren’t super rare, but they’re always worth checking out.”
Does planetary alignment affect us?
Some cultures interpret planetary alignments as a time for self-reflection and harmony. According to the Times of India, it’s seen as a moment to embrace introspection and realignment with cosmic forces. It’s a good time to set intentions.
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