A group of six planets will line up and light up the night sky this month, folks.
Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will line up for our viewing pleasure – between now and mid-February.
When was the last time all the planets aligned?
A planetary alignment goes down, up, when more than two planets align in the sky.
If three planets align, it is known as a mini-planetary alignment; four constitute a minor planetary alignment, five or more are considered major, and in the ultra-rare case that eight are in alignment, we have a major or full planetary alignment.
This does not mean that they will all be in a straight line in space – on the contrary, during the alignment, they are tightly gathered to one side of the Sun.
As Time Magazine reports, a planetary parade is mostly an optical illusion. Unlike the 1974 alignment of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune captured by the Voyager spacecraft, the visible planets this month will jump across the sky at different depths, distances, and positions.
Time likens the phenomenon to “randomly placing six different people in six different spots in a field and positioning yourself so that you gather them all in the lens of your camera.”
There are eight planets in our solar system, nine if you count dwarf power planet Pluto.
Because we live on Earth, the maximum number of planets we can see from our vantage point, at the moment, is seven or eight if Pluto is in the mix.
However, these luminaries are not always in the same direction or sector – but are cast around the solar system and the sun in different positions.
When we have five or more planets entering a small area of the sky, an alignment is upgraded to parade status, not an official astronomical term, but one that is used quickly, loosely, and with a touch more whimsical than magicians usually allow. of space.
The last time there was a parade of seven planets was in June 2022.
According to NASA, planet parades “aren’t super rare, but they don’t happen every year either.”
This month’s event makes the cut – or walks the line – if you will.
Dates of the parade of planets 2025
The best time to see the planet parade is from sunset to 21:30 to 21:30 local time. Saturn and Venus will be at ease with each other in the southwest, with Mars in the east and gas giant Jupiter above.
The latest space spectacle will be visible nightly, weather permitting, from now until mid-February, with two key dates standing out.
On January 21, Jupiter and Venus will shine brighter as they ascend into the night sky. Meanwhile, the moon will stay below the horizon until after midnight, resulting in a darker sky that offers a clearer view for stargazing and planet-gazing.
On February 1, Venus and the miniature crescent moon will appear close together in the southwestern sky for several hours before descending below the western horizon.
Where to look for planetary alignment
As with all awe-inspiring cosmic phenomena, the closer you get to dark sky communities and the further away you are from light pollution, the more brilliant your view will be. Allow at least 30 minutes for your vision to adjust to the dark.
While using your phone will, in some ways, detract from your dark sky viewing experience, using an astronomy app like Starwalk ensures you’re looking up and at the right target.
The good news? The brightness of the planets ensures that as long as the weather permits, you’ll still be able to see the show in light-polluted cities.
Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will create a sweeping view to the unaided eye, but you’ll need a telescope or a pair of high-powered binoculars to catch Neptune and Uranus.
Mars will make its closest approach to Earth in two years, and so the mighty red planet, named for the god of war himself, will appear brighter, bigger and bolder in the sky. at night. This Martian exclamation point will further enhance the stretching experience.
Next month, on February 28, 2025, Mercury will join the cosmic line, meaning SEVEN planets: Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars will line up for our viewing pleasure.
Get it while you can, folks.
Astrological significance of planetary alignment and current planetary positions
Astrologically speaking, when the planets align this month, Venus, Saturn and Neptune will be in the opioid bathwater of Pisces. Mars will be retrograde and bound by Cancer’s apron stings and navel loop, while Jupiter will be in hyper-verbal polemics like cardio Gemini. Uranus will be wild in the bucolic pastures, motivated by Taurus food.
When Mercury joins the lineup in February, he will be the dreamer and shaper of the future in the fixed climes of Aquarius.
Astrology 101: Your Guide to the Star
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and reports irreverently on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
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