Stargazers in January: A Rare Six-Planet Alignment to Catch.
Stargazers in January are gearing up for a highly anticipated planetary alignment event—though don’t expect the breathtaking display you might imagine when thinking of planets lining up perfectly in the night sky.
In January, six planets will be visible and aligned, but here’s the catch: planetary alignments are quite common, as planets naturally travel in a flat plane known as the ecliptic. What makes this month’s event special, however, is the rare chance to see so many bright planets together, and it promises to be a treat for stargazers!
What Is a Planetary Parade?
A “planet parade” is a term used to describe when planets align in a row, resembling a cosmic parade marching across the sky. While this alignment isn’t extraordinary, it’s always exciting for astronomy enthusiasts. The alignment happening in January will feature four bright planets visible to the naked eye and two dimmer ones that require a telescope.
What You’ll See
Here are the six planets you can look for:
- Venus
- Saturn
- Jupiter
- Mars
- Uranus
- Neptune
Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars will be visible without any special equipment. These four will shine brightly in the night sky—Venus and Saturn can be seen in the southwest after sunset, while Jupiter and Mars will be visible at different times of the night.
When to Look
The planetary alignment is visible throughout January, with some of the best viewing opportunities after sunset. Venus and Saturn will be visible in the southwest during the early evening hours, while Jupiter will be high in the sky, and Mars will rise in the east. For those who want to catch Uranus and Neptune, a telescope will be needed, as they aren’t as bright as the others.
Why This Alignment Matters
NASA points out that while such alignments aren’t extremely rare, seeing six planets together like this doesn’t happen every year, making it a fantastic chance for star enthusiasts to take in the beauty of our solar system. And if you missed the conjunction between Venus and Saturn last week, don’t worry—you can still catch both planets together in the evening sky.
Whether you're an amateur stargazer or an experienced astronomer, this planetary parade is a must-see event this January! So grab a blanket, head outside, and enjoy the cosmic spectacle above.
