Home Life Style The planets align in a rare phenomenon in January…here’s what it means for YOU

The planets align in a rare phenomenon in January…here’s what it means for YOU

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A 'parade of planets' is the colloquial term for the alignment of several planets in the sky.

A rare celestial event will take place this month, offering a haunting glimpse of a group of planets in complete alignment.

Just days after the Wolf Moon (the first full moon of 2025, which occurred on Monday, January 13), stargazers should prepare for another exciting display in the night sky: a ‘parade of planets.’

What is a planetary parade?

Until January 21, six planets will perform a “planet parade” and four of them will be visible to the naked eye.

While “parade of planets” is not necessarily an official term used by scientists, it is the colloquial phrase for the simultaneous appearance of several planets in the sky.

Essentially, the six planets will be “aligned” with each other, appearing as if they are placed in a line across the sky. However, according to NASA, this is common on planets.

The place of alignment is called the “ecliptic,” and represents the plane of the solar system in which the planets orbit the sun. Planet parades “are not very rare,” the astronomical agency said, “but they also do not occur every year.”

When does the planet parade take place?

A ‘parade of planets’ is the colloquial term for the alignment of several planets in the sky.

On January 21, six planets will perform a “parade of planets” in the sky, but only four will be visible to the naked eye

On January 21, six planets will perform a ‘planet parade’ in the sky, but only four will be visible to the naked eye

Mars (seen) reaches

Mars (seen) reaches ‘opposition’ with Earth on Thursday night, making it appear larger and brighter in the sky due to the reflection of the Sun’s rays.

The planetary event has already begun; After nightfall, Venus and Saturn will be visible in the southwest throughout the month, with Jupiter overhead and Mars in the east.

According to NASA, Uranus and Neptune will also be in the sky, although these planets are not as bright and require a telescope to see them.

Between the 17th and 18th, Venus and Saturn will appear just a couple of fingers apart, but of course the planets will still be hundreds of millions of kilometers away from each other.

Mars comes into play when it reaches “opposition” with Earth on Thursday night, meaning the planet is on the opposite side of Earth from the sun. As a result, Mars is illuminated by the sun’s rays, making it appear larger and brighter.

On Mars, oppositions occur approximately every two years. While this is not the “most spectacular” opposition of Mars, NASA fixedThe planet is even closer than usual.

The planet parade will continue until the end of February, Outdoor magazine reported. Mercury will even make a brief appearance, becoming the seventh planet to be in the sky at the same time.

On February 28, Mercury will be most visible on the western horizon just after sunset, with Venus overhead and Jupiter, Mars, and Uranus high in the southeast.

Where can I see the planet parade?

Most people in the Northern Hemisphere, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, should be able to watch the planet’s parade throughout the month, between January 16 and February 28.

Most people in the northern hemisphere can watch the 'planet parade' throughout the month, between January 16 and February 28.

Most people in the northern hemisphere can watch the ‘planet parade’ throughout the month, between January 16 and February 28.

Uranus (left) and Neptune (right) require a telescope with at least eight inches of aperture and a magnification of between 100x and 150x to be seen.

Uranus (left) and Neptune (right) require a telescope with at least eight inches aperture and a magnification of approximately 100x to 150x to be seen.

Starting today, those in the northern hemisphere should look west immediately after sunset to witness Venus in the sky. Saturn will be located to the left of Venus, while Mars will shine orange in the east and Jupiter will be high in the sky, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

And don’t forget to witness Venus and Saturn at their most welcoming on the 17th and 18th before they go their separate ways.

However, once it gets dark, stargazers only have a few hours to see Venus before it sinks below the horizon at night.

Do I need a telescope to see the planet’s parade?

Although six planets will appear in the sky at once during most of January and February, only four of them will be visible to the naked eye.

Uranus and Neptune are too far away to detect (1.7 billion miles and 2.7 billion miles from Earth, respectively), so astronomers suggest using a telescope with at least eight inches aperture with a magnification of approximately 100x to 150x to view the planets.

How will the month-long celestial event affect me?

Although some detractors are strictly opposed to astrology, this week-long planetary event can have a significant impact on your daily life, according to one astrologer. Lisa Lazuli.

The year began with Mars retrograde, when a planet appears to be receding from our point of view on Earth. Some astrology lovers cringe at the mere mention of retrogrades, considering that they are notorious 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 going full force. Until February 23, Mars retrograde will emphasize self-discipline, reflection, and impulse control, most impacting those with Aries and Scorpio signs.

As for the planets involved in this month’s alignment, the conjunction of Venus, Saturn and Neptune in Pisces is intriguing to astrologers because it symbolizes higher love, a desire for stability, meaning and spiritual awareness through romantic interaction, Lazuli tells the Daily Mail.

“It is also very inspiring for artists, as it unites the majesty of art with form, structure and discipline to give concrete expression to the imagination,” he 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 conjunction of the New Moon with Mercury and Pluto in Aquarius is extremely innovative and predicts scientific discoveries, breaking of taboos and technological advances that indicate that the stage is set for AI adventures this year,” he adds.

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