From January 21 to 25, 2025, one of the most fascinating astronomical events will take place — the planet parade. Six celestial bodies of our Solar System — Venus, Mars, Saturn, Uranus, Jupiter, and Neptune — will align in an imaginary line, creating an unforgettable spectacle in the night sky, write site IZ.com.ua. The only exception will be Mercury, whose orbital position will prevent it from participating in the event.
The phenomenon can be observed with the naked eye as well as with optical devices. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible without any special equipment, while Uranus and Neptune will require the use of telescopes or powerful binoculars.
What Is a Planet Parade?
A planet parade is a visual effect caused by the positioning of celestial bodies relative to Earth. The planets are not physically aligned in space, but from our perspective, they appear to be. This event is particularly valued by stargazers, as it offers a rare opportunity to witness the harmonious alignment of several planets at once.
Features of the Parade in January 2025
The planet parade will be most visible in the evening hours after sunset. The highlight will be January 21, when the planets appear closest to each other in the sky.
Observation details:
- Venus and Saturn: Positioned low on the horizon, visible for about an hour and a half after sunset.
- Jupiter and Uranus: Found in the constellation Taurus, near the Hyades and Pleiades star clusters.
- Neptune: Located in the constellation Pisces, closer to the zenith.
- Mars: A bright object in the eastern part of the sky, within the constellation Gemini.
How Long Will the Planet Parade Last?
The planet parade in January 2025 will be observable over several days.
- Main date: January 21 — the best time for most regions.
- Overall period: From January 18 to 25, with some planets visible until the end of the month.
- Additional date: February 28, when Mercury will become visible in the western sky.
Where Is the Best Place to Observe the Event?
The best conditions for observing the planet parade will be in locations with minimal light pollution and an open horizon. For example:
| City | Observation Date | Viewing Angle |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | January 18 | 169° |
| Hong Kong | January 18 | 172° |
| Tokyo | January 21 | 153° |
| New York | January 22 | 152° |
| Athens | January 23 | 155° |
To achieve optimal results, astronomers recommend choosing open spaces away from bright lights and avoiding areas with tall buildings or mountains that could obstruct the view.
An Additional Event: Mars Opposition
On January 16, 2025, Mars will reach opposition — a configuration where the planet is on the opposite side of the Sun relative to Earth. This positioning will make Mars particularly bright and easy to observe.
Mars will be visible in the eastern sky, within the constellation Gemini, and its brightness will peak, offering a unique opportunity to closely observe the Red Planet.
What to Expect in the Future?
The next major planet parade is expected at the end of February when Mercury will appear in the sky. This event will conclude the current alignment cycle and provide another chance to witness this rare astronomical phenomenon.
The January planet parade is a rare opportunity to enjoy the beauty of cosmic order and reflect on the vastness of the universe. Take this time to look up at the sky and feel connected to the immense cosmos.
