On January 25, many reports have highlighted a rare sky event where four planets will seem to align in the night sky. However, this beautiful sight can actually be seen throughout January, not just on the 25th or the 21st. Clear skies on any night this month will reveal a large arc made up of six planets — Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, and Saturn — creating a stunning view for stargazers.
What is the Parade of Planets?
A planetary parade happens when four or more planets appear to line up in the sky at the same time. NASA explains that this term is not officially used in astronomy and can be a bit misleading. Planets do not line up in a straight line in space, as they are spread out across millions of kilometers. What we see from Earth is the planets aligning along the ecliptic plane, giving the illusion of being in a row when observed from our perspective.
Though planet alignments are not extremely rare, the chance to see four or five bright planets together is special and doesn’t happen every year, according to NASA.
The Best Viewing in Nepal
The six-planet parade including Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus will be visible from Nepal starting January 21 and will continue for about four weeks. This gives skywatchers plenty of time to catch this breathtaking sight.
How to Watch the Planetary Parade in Nepal?
The best time to view this event will be around 8:30 PM on January 21, just after sunset. However, visibility depends on the weather and light pollution levels. To get the best view, try to find a dark spot away from city lights, such as a rural area or a hilltop.
Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn can be seen with the naked eye, while a telescope will be needed to spot Neptune and Uranus. Venus and Saturn will be visible in the southwest shortly after sunset, with Jupiter shining brightly overhead and Mars appearing in the east.
A Parade of Seven Planets
For a few days starting January 25, Mercury will join the lineup, making it a rare sight with all seven planets of the solar system (except Earth) visible together. However, Mercury will be difficult to spot as it is small and very close to the Sun.
This spectacular planetary parade, with six planets visible all month and Mercury briefly joining on January 25, offers a rare treat for sky lovers. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or just someone curious about the night sky, this event is a great chance to admire the beauty of our solar system. Grab a telescope, head to a dark location, and enjoy this magical cosmic display!