This week, a captivating celestial event known as the 'Planet Parade' is occurring, with a rare alignment of planets visible to skywatchers. Although Tuesday, January 21, and Saturday, January 25, have been highlighted, you can view this astonishing sight at various times as six planets grace our night sky, four of them bright enough to see with the naked eye.

Why It's Special

Currently, Mars is the star of the show, shining brighter than it has since 2022. It is positioned beautifully in the east as the sun sets, following its recent 'opposition' on January 12. This alignment means that Earth lies directly between Mars and the sun, allowing Mars to be closer to our planet than it will be until early 2027.

The red planet appears as a striking golden-red hue, easily distinguishable below the giant planet Jupiter.

The first full moon of the year, known as the 'Wolf Moon', made headlines on January 13 by dramatically eclipsing Mars for nearly an hour—a spectacular sight for observers across North America. The distances involved were astounding, with Mars approximately 266 times more distant than the moon during the event.

Upcoming Celestial Wonders

The 'Planet Parade' is set to continue through February. Mark your calendars! On Friday, January 31, a crescent moon will join the spectacle, shining just one degree from Saturn. The following night, February 1, the crescent moon will be two degrees from the bright Venus, creating a breathtaking view for amateur astronomers and casual stargazers alike.

This month is particularly vibrant, as it coincides with the new moon on January 29, heralding the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which will celebrate the ‘Year of the Snake’. The festivities will culminate with the rise of the full 'Snow Moon' on February 12, making February a month of astronomical and cultural significance.

How to View

To catch this planetary alignment, simply find a spot with minimal light pollution. Look toward the western horizon after sunset to see Jupiter, Mars, and the crescent moon dance across the sky. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture these stunning celestial bodies!

With this beautiful astronomical display just around the corner, don’t miss your chance to witness nature’s magnificent show! Happy stargazing!