Witness the planetary parade: a rare celestial event on January 25
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Skywatchers in India and across the globe are in for a visual treat as seven planets - Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Mercury - align in a dazzling arc across the night sky this January.
This rare phenomenon, known as a planetary parade, will peak on January 25, 2025, when Mercury joins the celestial lineup.
A planetary parade occurs when multiple planets appear to form a line from the Earth’s perspective. While these alignments are visual rather than spatial, they offer a stunning spectacle for sky enthusiasts. According to NASA, such events involving four or more planets are noteworthy and relatively uncommon, making them a must-see for stargazers.
The ideal time to catch this celestial event is just after sunset. As the sky darkens, the planets will be easier to spot while they remain above the horizon.
“In January, you’ll have the opportunity to take in four bright planets in a sweeping view,” said Preston Dyches from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He emphasised that while multi-planet viewings are not exceedingly rare, they don’t occur every year, making this event a special opportunity.
To get the best view of the planetary parade, select a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the western horizon and avoid areas with heavy light pollution by opting for a site away from city lights.
Viewing Tips and Equipment
Naked Eye: Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be easily visible to the naked eye.
Binoculars/Telescope: Optical equipment can enhance the viewing experience, particularly for dimmer planets like Neptune and Uranus.
Clear skies are essential for observing the planetary parade. Check the local weather forecast and plan your viewing accordingly.