We are all set to witness the celestial dance as the planets align in a beautiful and rare show of cosmic dance or alignment. This phenomenon is known as the planetary parade, and it brings together six planets of the Solar System into alignment. Surprisingly, it will be visible to the naked eye. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for stargazers, as according to NASA, it allows viewers to see Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune align without the need for a telescope.
When and where to watch?
One could observe the planetary parade on January 21 and the next on January 25. During these dates, four planets, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye just after sunset. Uranus and Neptune will also be part of the alignment, but they will require a telescope to be seen clearly. The best time to witness this is 45 minutes after sunset, when the skies are dark enough for the planets to shine brightly.
To see this alignment, it is suggested to look towards the southwestern horizon. Venus and Saturn will be the first to light up the southwest sky, followed by Jupiter that will be clearly visible in the southeast. Mars will appear in the east, completing the lineup of visible planets. The planetary display will last for about three hours, with Venus and Saturn eventually setting in the west.
How can you identify the planets?
To identify each of these planets, you must keep these tips in your mind. Venus will be the most visible and brightest of the planets, shining as the brightest object in the night sky towards the southwest. Mars has an identifiable red color and will resemble a bright lightbulb in the eastern sky. Saturn will appear as a tiny dot in the western sky, while Jupiter will be visible in the southern sky, similar in brightness to Saturn.
Uranus and Neptune, although part of the alignment, will not be visible to the naked eye due to their distance from the planets in alignment and the Earth. These two planets can be seen as tiny, bright dots through a telescope.
When can you see Mercury?
Mercury, the planet closest to the sun, will not be part of the celestial lineup during the January planetary parade. However, by the end of February, Mercury will join the planetary parade, adding to the spectacle of the show. From February 28 to March 12, the planetary alignment will be at its peak, offering the best view of this rare celestial event. During this period, all the planets will be visible in the night sky.
Must keep in mind before catching a glimpse
As you get set to gaze upon the night sky, don’t forget to head out to the darkest, unobstructed view available for optimal observation. Be you an astronomy enthusiast or an occasional observer, this is something you wouldn’t miss for the world. So go ahead and spot it. The planets are dancing in space as never before, and this one-time spectacle will leave you awestruck.
