NEW YORK (AP) — A celestial spectacle is gracing the night sky this month as six planets participate in what astronomers call a planetary parade, offering a dazzling display that can be observed with the naked eye.
The planetary parade occurs when multiple planets align in the night sky, creating a visually captivating phenomenon. Hannah Sparkes, the planetarium supervisor at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Florida, explained, “They’re not in a straight line, but they’re pretty close together on one side of the sun.”
This astronomical event, though not rare, is a striking sight that occurs roughly once a year, depending on the planetary positions. A similar planetary alignment was witnessed last June, but only two planets were visible without the aid of special equipment.
Throughout this month and into part of February, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are easily visible to the naked eye. However, for a chance to spot Uranus and Neptune, binoculars or telescopes will be required.
Mars is particularly prominent during this planetary parade as it shines brightly, being positioned directly opposite the sun. Additionally, on Friday and Saturday nights, stargazers will witness Venus and Saturn coming into close proximity, with just a two-degree separation between them.
Ideal conditions for planet-spotting include clear, cloudless nights. Kevin Williams, the planetarium director at Buffalo State University, recommends going outside a few hours after sunset and facing south to observe the spectacular display. Venus and Saturn will be visible in the southwestern sky, Jupiter in the southern sky, and Mars in the southeast or east. The planets will outshine the stars, with Mars appearing as a distinctive reddish-orange dot.
To assist in locating the planets in the night sky, stargazing apps can be a useful tool, as suggested by Sparkes.
Adding to the excitement, a faint Mercury is anticipated to join the planetary parade as a bonus seventh planet by the end of February. As the months progress, the planets will gradually disperse from their alignment, marking the conclusion of this captivating celestial event.
Reflecting on the significance of observing such planetary alignments, Williams remarked, “It gives us a little bit better sense of our place in the solar system and the universe.”
The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP retains full editorial responsibility for all content.
