Title: How to Witness a Stunning Planetary Alignment in the January Night Sky
NEW YORK (AP) — This month, skywatchers can catch a spectacular celestial event as six planets align in what is known as a planetary parade. Most of these planets will be visible to the naked eye, offering a breathtaking view of the night sky.
These planetary gatherings occur when multiple planets appear to cluster together in the sky, seemingly forming a line.
“They aren’t in a perfect straight line, but they are relatively close together on one side of the sun,” explained Hannah Sparkes, planetarium supervisor at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Florida.
Such astronomical alignments are not rare and typically happen at least once a year, depending on the number of planets involved. A similar event occurred last June, but only two planets were visible without specialized equipment.
This month, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be bright enough to see unaided, while Uranus and Neptune can be spotted using binoculars or a telescope.
Mars, in particular, will be exceptionally bright due to its position directly opposite the sun. Last Friday and Saturday night, observers saw Venus and Saturn appearing strikingly close together—separated by just two degrees.
For the best view, head outside on a clear night a few hours after sunset and face south, advised Kevin Williams, planetarium director at Buffalo State University. Venus and Saturn will shine in the southwestern sky, Jupiter will be positioned further south, and Mars will be visible in the southeast or east. The planets will be noticeably brighter than surrounding stars, with Mars distinguishable by its reddish-orange glow.
Stargazing apps can be useful for locating the planets, Sparkes suggested.
As an added bonus, Mercury is expected to join the alignment at the end of February, briefly increasing the planetary count to seven before they gradually disperse throughout the spring.
“This kind of event helps us appreciate our place in the solar system and the vast universe,” Williams said.