A stunning celestial event is set to unfold this month as planets align in a "planetary parade", with four visible to the naked eye in the Northern Hemisphere.
Stargazers with telescopes can catch an even more spectacular view, spotting six planets: Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, and Saturn.
Where and when to look
NASA reports that Venus and Saturn will be visible in the southwest sky shortly after sunset, with Jupiter overhead and Mars rising in the east. The alignment will peak on January 21, 2025, when the planets will form their tightest arc in the sky, offering optimal viewing conditions. The moon, in its last quarter phase, will ensure darker evening skies for better visibility.
This celestial display isn’t restricted to a single day and can be observed several days before and after the key date. Additionally, many planets will remain visible in the evening sky until late February, according to The Planetary Society.
Conjunction of Venus and Saturn
Adding to the excitement, Venus and Saturn will appear in close conjunction just days before the main event on January 17–18, 2025, coming within about 2 degrees of each other in the sky—a visual separation comparable to the width of a £2 coin at arm's length.
What is planetary alignment?
Planetary alignment occurs when planets gather closely on one side of the Sun at the same time. While planets are always technically aligned along the ecliptic (the solar system's orbital plane), it’s rare to see multiple planets simultaneously. Alignments of five or six planets are classified as "large planetary alignments" and occur every few years.
Will we ever see all eight planets align?
Unfortunately, a perfect alignment of all eight major planets—Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—is extraordinarily rare. According to Jean Meeus' book 'Mathematical Astronomy Morsels', such an alignment, within 3.6 degrees, would only occur once every 396 billion years - far beyond human lifetimes.
Future planetary alignments
Some of the most anticipated planetary alignments include:
- September 8, 2040: Five naked-eye planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) will align.
- March 15, 2080: Six planets (Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and Uranus) will align in the morning sky, featuring a "great conjunction" of Saturn and Jupiter.
- May 19, 2161: All planets in the solar system, including Earth, will gather on one side of the Sun.
