Get ready for an unforgettable night in the sky! The rare ‘planet parade’ is happening tonight, and it’s the best time to see it. Six planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and Venus—are aligning in an extraordinary arc.
What you need to know:
The planets will line up in a way that’s almost perfectly visible with the naked eye. But here’s the catch—only Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus will be visible without a telescope. Mars will appear on the far left, and Venus and Saturn will be on the right. Uranus and Neptune, unfortunately, won’t be visible. These planets are too far from Earth.
Why tonight?
The alignment began on January 18, but experts say tonight, January 21, is the prime viewing time. Mars, Venus, and Jupiter will be the brightest in the sky, so they’ll be easy to spot. Saturn, while not as bright, will still be visible next to Venus.
Viewing Tips:
- Head outside early—let your eyes adjust to the dark.
- Find a spot with clear views to the northeast and southwest.
- Look for the brightest objects in the sky—Mars, Venus, and Jupiter should pop out.
- No telescope needed! These planets are bright and visible with just your eyes.
If you’re struggling, use a sky map app like Night Sky to help guide you.
When can you see it?
The planet parade will continue for a few weeks, until about February 28. So, if you miss tonight’s display, don’t worry! There’s another chance in February.
Mark your calendars for February 28! That’s when all eight planets in the solar system will align. Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars will all be visible in the night sky.
Why does this happen?
Planet alignments are not rare—they happen when the planets are all on the same side of the Sun as Earth. It’s a stunning spectacle, and tonight’s event is one you won’t want to miss.
Best time to watch:
Experts recommend viewing right after sunset, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. local time. The sky will be clear, and the planets will be easy to spot.
Tonight is your best chance to catch the planet parade in all its glory. Don’t miss out on this spectacular sight! And if you do miss it, remember—another one is coming in February.
