A rare celestial event is set to captivate stargazers in 2025, as a planet parade will feature six or seven planets visible in the night sky at the same time. The event, occurring between January and March, will include planets such as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and potentially Mercury.
The best viewing time for this phenomenon will be after sunset on Jan. 21, 2025, with all six planets visible in the days leading up to that date. However, it’s essential to note that Neptune and Uranus require high-powered telescopes to spot due to their vast distance from Earth.
As the event progresses, Mercury will join the parade for a brief period, bringing the total number of visible planets to seven. Despite Saturn’s close proximity to the sun during this time, stargazers can still view the other six planets with the naked eye in optimal conditions.
Most locations in North America are expected to witness the planet parade, including major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Mexico City. To maximize viewing opportunities, it’s recommended to find a location with minimal light pollution and clear skies.
Viewing equipment is necessary for spotting Neptune and Uranus, with a telescope of at least 8-inch aperture required for optimal views. Even with standard space viewing rules in place, stargazers should be cautious of the intense sunlight during this time and prioritize eye protection.
For those eager to track the planet parade’s progression, various online tools and apps are available, such as Stellarium, Time and Date’s Night Sky Map, and Star Walk 2. A planetary parade is an event where four or more planets align in the night sky at once, offering a rare opportunity for stargazers to witness multiple celestial bodies simultaneously.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/science/planet-parade-of-six-seven-planets-mark-your-calendars-skygazing-january-2025