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See parade of planets alignment January 21
Astronomy fans know 2025 kicked off with a meteor shower, but another big spectacle is coming up that should be on your radar, too.
Here’s what to look forward to and how to watch.
Planetary alignment on Jan. 21
Planetary alignment is when several planets gather closely on one side of the sun simultaneously, according to Starwalk.space.
This is colloquially referred to as a “planetary parade,” or a “parade of planets,” but these are not astronomy terms used to describe the event, according to NASA.
How does planetary alignment work?
All planets revolve around the sun along the same orbital plane, known as the ecliptic on Earth, and all of them travel along it and eventually catch up with one another over time. Once the planets meet, it looks as though they are aligned as they path Earth, but the line will not be perfectly straight, according to Space.com.
With each planet moving at different speeds, the alignment will only last for a brief time, depending on each planet’s distance from the sun. This is also why planetary alignments do not always feature the same number of planets.
- A conjunction is when two or more planets come close together in the sky.
- A mini-planetary alignment includes three planets.
- A small planetary alignment includes four planets.
- A large planetary alignment includes five or six planets.
- A great or full planetary alignment features all solar system planets, and sometimes Pluto.
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How to watch the planetary alignment on Jan. 21
On the evening of Jan. 21, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus and Saturn will align in the sky, according to Starwalk.space.
Of these six planets, Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye. To see Neptune and Uranus, you’ll need high-powered binoculars or a telescope. For the best view, make sure there are no tall buildings or high mountains around.
Jan. 21 is generally when the spectacle will be most visible around the world, but the ideal viewing time might vary depending on your exact location. In Delaware, Jan. 22 may prove to be a better viewing opportunity.
If you miss the event on the main day, the planetary alignment might be visible for several days before and after that date.
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Planetary alignments in 2025
After January’s planetary alignment, there are a handful of times throughout the year where you can see multiple planets together, including:
- Feb. 28, when Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars align in the evening.
- April 15, when Neptune, Mercury, Saturn and Venus align in the morning.
- Aug. 11, when Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn align in the morning.
Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys’tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.
Join us on January 21 for a spectacular event – the parade of planets alignment! This rare celestial occurrence will see Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn all lined up in the night sky, creating a breathtaking display of planetary alignment.
Gather your friends and family, grab a telescope or binoculars, and head outside to witness this incredible sight. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just looking to marvel at the wonders of the universe, this event is not to be missed.
Mark your calendars and make sure to set a reminder for January 21 – you won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime parade of planets alignment. See you there! #PlanetParade #CelestialSpectacle #StargazingAdventure
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