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Stargazers Prepare for a Rare Planetary Parade in January 2025
During January, skywatchers can look forward to an extraordinary celestial event as four prominent planets are set to be visible after sunset: Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars. Although Uranus and Neptune will also be in the vicinity, they will require binoculars or a telescope for observation. This alignment will create a noteworthy “planetary parade” featuring a total of six planets.
To begin your stargazing, locate Venus shortly after sundown in the southwestern horizon. Known for being the brightest planet in the solar system, Venus is easily recognizable, earning it the nickname “the evening star.” Nearby, you can find Saturn, which will be in close proximity to Venus. The two planets were in conjunction on January 18, remaining only a few degrees apart. Elevate your gaze to find Jupiter, which will be positioned prominently above the Orion constellation.
What enhances the uniqueness of this month’s planetary alignment is that Mars will reach “opposition” in January—an astronomical phenomenon occurring roughly every two years. This position places Mars directly opposite the Sun from our vantage point on Earth, making it visible in the eastern sky about 90 minutes after sunset. As a result, it will appear larger and more luminous than usual, offering an excellent opportunity for observation.
If the four planets aren’t enough, those equipped with binoculars or telescopes can search for Uranus and Neptune, which will be found along the same celestial arc. Utilizing popular stargazing apps such as SkyView, Stellarium, or Night Sky can greatly assist in pinpointing their locations with augmented reality overlays on your mobile device.
As for Mercury, it adds an element of unpredictability to the show (although it won’t enter retrograde until March). In January, Mercury will be visible in the morning sky but will not appear in the evening until February. “At that time, Saturn and Neptune will be moving away,” as noted by EarthSky.org, which specializes in astronomical news. “By late February, all seven planets will be in the sky simultaneously, but viewing Neptune will prove difficult due to its proximity to the Sun, while both Mercury and Saturn will also be less visible.”
The planetary parade in January 2025 can be observed in the early evening hours from various locations around the globe, with optimal viewing times slightly varying depending on your exact position, according to Star Walk, a popular real-time astronomy application. For the clearest sightings, it is advisable to find a location with minimal light pollution. Planning an outing to a national park, state park, or dark sky reserve can enhance the experience, or consider visiting a hotel that features an observatory.
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