The planets are aligning in a uncommon phenomenon in January… this is what it means for YOU
A rare celestial event is set to take place this month, offering an eerie glimpse at a grouping of planets in total alignment.
Just days after the Wolf Moon – the first full moon of 2025, which took place on Monday, January 13 – stargazers should prepare for yet another exciting display in the night sky: a ‘planet parade.’
What is a planet parade?
Leading up to January 21, six planets will be in a ‘planet parade’ with four of them visible to the naked eye.
While ‘planet parade’ isn’t necessarily an official term used by scientists, it’s the colloquial phrase for the simultaneous appearance of several planets in the sky.
Essentially, the six planets will be in ‘alignment’ with each other, appearing somewhat like they’re placed in a line across the sky. However, according to NASA, this is a usual occurrence for planets.
The location of alignment is called the ‘ecliptic,’ representing the plane of the solar system in which the planets orbit around the sun. Planet parades ‘aren’t super rare,’ the astronomical agency said, ‘but they don’t happen every year’ either.
When does the planet parade take place?
A ‘planet parade’ is the colloquial term for the alignment of several planets in the sky
On January 21, six planets will be in a ‘planet parade’ in the sky, but only four will be visible to the naked eye
Mars (seen) reaches ‘opposition’ with Earth on Thursday evening, making it appear larger and brighter in the sky due to reflection from Sun’s rays
The planetary event has already begun; after dark, Venus and Saturn will be visible in the southwest all month long, with Jupiter high overhead and Mars in the east.
According to NASA, Uranus and Neptune will also be in the sky, though these planets aren’t as bright and require a telescope to be seen.
Between the 17th and 18th, Venus and Saturn will appear within just a couple of finger widths of each other but of course, the planets will still be hundreds of millions of miles apart from each other.
Mars comes into play when it reaches ‘opposition’ with Earth on Thursday evening, meaning the planet is on the opposite side of Earth from the sun. As a result, Mars is lit up by the sun’s rays, making it appear larger and brighter.
For Mars, oppositions happen about every two years. While this isn’t the ‘most spectacular’ opposition of Mars, NASA stated, the planet is still closer than usual.
The planet parade will continue into late February, Outside Magazine reported. Mercury will even make a brief appearance, making it the seventh planet to be in the sky at once.
On February 28, Mercury will be most visible on the western horizon right after sunset, with Venus above it and Jupiter, Mars, and Uranus placed high in the southeast.
Where can I view the planet parade?
Most people in the Northern Hemisphere, including the US, Canada, and Mexico, should be able to see the planet parade all month long, between January 16 to February 28.
Most people in the Northern Hemisphere can view the ‘planet parade’ all month long, between January 16 to February 28
Uranus (left) and Neptune (right) require a telescope with at least eight inches of aperture at about 100x to 150x magnification to be seen
Beginning today, those who are located in the Northern Hemisphere should look to the west directly after sunset to witness Venus in the sky. Saturn will be located to the left of Venus, while Mars will be glowing orange in the east and Jupiter will be high up in the sky, per the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
And don’t forget to witness Venus and Saturn at their most cozy on the 17th and 18th before they go their separate ways.
Once it’s dark, however, stargazers only have a few hours to view Venus before it dips below the horizon for the evening.
Do I need a telescope to see the planet parade?
Although six planets will appear in the sky at once throughout most of January and February, only four of them will be visible to the naked eye.
Uranus and Neptune are much too far away to spot – 1.7 billion miles and 2.7 billion miles from Earth, respectively – so astronomers suggest using a telescope with at least eight inches of aperture at about 100x to 150x magnification to view the planets.
How will the month-long celestial event affect me?
Despite some naysayers being strictly opposed to astrology, this weeks-long planetary event may have a significant impact on your day-to-day life, according to astrologer Lisa Lazuli.
The year began with Mars in retrograde, when a planet appears to be moving backward from our vantage point on Earth. Some astrology lovers shudder at the mere mention of retrogrades, considering they’re infamous for causing chaos, misunderstandings, and miscommunication, especially during a Mercury or Venus retrograde.
However, a Mars retrograde encourages a slow start to the new year rather than full force. Until February 23, the Mars retrograde will emphasize self-discipline, reflection, and impulse control, impacting those with Aries and Scorpio signs the most.
As for the planets involved in this month’s alignment, Venus, Saturn and Neptune conjunction in Pisces is intriguing to astrologers because it symbolizes a higher love, a desire for stability, meaning and spiritual awareness through romantic interaction, Lazuli tells the Daily Mail.
‘It’s pretty inspirational for artists too as it unites the majesty of art with form, structure and the discipline to give concrete expression to imagination,’ she says.
Another important alignment this month is the New Moon on January 29, according to Lazuli, when the New Moon in Aquarius is conjunct Mercury and Pluto in Aquarius.
‘The New Moon conjunction with Mercury and Pluto in Aquarius is extremely innovative and foretells of scientific discovery, breaking of taboos and technological advancement indicating the stage is set for AI adventures this year,’ she adds.
