NEW YORK — This month, a spectacular planetary parade is lighting up the night sky, showcasing six celestial bodies that are mostly visible to the naked eye.
This extraordinary event unfolds when multiple planets align in a way that allows observers to see them together in the sky. “They may not form a perfect line, but they are relatively close on one side of the sun,” explained Hannah Sparkes, a planetarium supervisor at Florida’s Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.
Such gatherings of planets occur fairly regularly, typically at least once a year, depending on the planets’ positions. A similar event happened last June, although only two planets were visible without the aid of telescopes.
For this month and part of February, skywatchers can easily spot Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, while Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or telescopes for viewing.
Among the highlights of this astronomical display is Mars, which is shining particularly bright because it sits directly opposite the sun. Additionally, during Friday and Saturday nights, skygazers will notice Venus and Saturn closely aligned, just two degrees apart.
Any night that is clear and devoid of clouds this month is perfect for planet spotting. Those interested in viewing should step outside a few hours after sunset and face south, as advised by Kevin Williams, director of the planetarium at Buffalo State University.
Venus and Saturn will be visible in the southwestern sky, with Jupiter located more to the south and Mars appearing in the southeast or to the east. The planets will emit a brightness that stands out against the stars, with Mars looking like a reddish-orange speck.
To enhance the viewing experience, Sparkes recommends downloading stargazing applications to assist with navigation in the night sky.
As an exciting addition to this parade, Mercury is expected to make an appearance as a seventh planet by the end of February, with the celestial lineup continuing to shift through the spring months.
“Observing these planets gives us a deeper understanding of our position within the solar system and the broader universe,” remarked Williams.
