Get ready for a spectacular celestial event as six planets will align in the night sky, offering a rare opportunity for stargazers to witness this breathtaking spectacle. The planets involved are Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus.
The alignment is set to occur on January 21, 2025, and will last until early February, with the addition of Mercury joining the parade in late February. The best viewing time for observers in the Northern Hemisphere is just after sunset, around 8:30 p.m. local time.
Due to its advantageous position, this alignment will be visible nightly for several weeks, making it a rare treat for astronomy enthusiasts. However, some planning and preparation are required to witness all six planets clearly.
Astronomers recommend using high-powered viewing devices such as telescopes with at least an 8-inch aperture for Uranus and Neptune, which can be challenging to spot due to their distance from Earth.
To make the most of this event, it’s essential to have a clear view of the sky, free from light pollution. Observatories in various locations across North America, including Canada and Mexico, are expected to offer unobstructed views of the planets.
Viewing the alignment will require minimal technical equipment, as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and potentially Saturn can be spotted with the naked eye under favorable conditions. However, for Neptune and Uranus, specialized telescopes are necessary.
For those new to astronomy, there are several online resources available to help identify the positions of the planets in the sky, including Stellarium’s website, Time and Date’s Night Sky Map, and Star Walk 2 app.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/science/how-to-see-january-21-tuesday-planet-parade-of-six-seven-planets-mark-your-calendars-skygazing