A rare celestial event is unfolding this week as early risers can witness a “planet parade” in the eastern sky before sunrise. On Sunday, Aug. 17, Saturn will be visible in the south, accompanied by Jupiter and Venus in the east. Mercury may also be spotted below Venus.
The best viewing time for this event occurs about an hour before sunrise. A 36% waning crescent moon will shine high above Jupiter and Venus. Jupiter will appear as the brightest planet, while Venus will blaze with a brilliant light.
This phenomenon is expected to recur in October 2028 when five planets will be visible together before sunrise. However, for now, Monday’s event on Aug. 18 promises to be similar, with a slimmer crescent moon near Venus and Jupiter. The highlight of the week-long “planet parade” occurs on Wednesday, Aug. 20, when a 9%-lit crescent moon will appear close to Venus.
As the planets move through their orbits, some notable events are happening this month. On Sept. 21, Saturn will be at its brightest as it nears its annual opposition. Meanwhile, Jupiter will continue to rise higher in the morning sky and won’t reach a bright opposition until January 2026.
The rare “planet parade” concludes on Aug. 22, after which Saturn and Jupiter will brighten while Venus fades. Before sunrise on Aug. 31, Venus will be positioned within the Beehive Cluster, a dense cluster of stars visible through binoculars.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/08/16/planet-parade-on-sunday-when-and-where-to-see-it-by-a-crescent-moon