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

A rare celestial event will take place this month, providing an eerie look at 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 ‘planet parade’.

What is a planet parade?

In the run-up to January 21, six planets will take part in a ‘planet parade’, four of which are visible to the naked eye.

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

Essentially, the six planets will be in ‘alignment’ with each other, making it appear as if they are placed in a line across the sky. However, according to NASA, this is a common phenomenon among planets.

The location of alignment is called the ‘ecliptic’, which represents the plane of the solar system in which the planets orbit the sun. Planet parades “aren’t super rare,” the astronomical agency said, “but they don’t happen every year either.”

When does the planet parade take place?

A ‘planet parade’ is the colloquial term for the alignment of different planets in the sky

On January 21, six planets will be in a

On January 21, six planets will be in 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 evening, making it appear larger and brighter in the sky due to reflection of the sun’s rays

The planetary event has already begun; as darkness falls, Venus and Saturn will be visible in the southwest all month, with Jupiter high 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 be seen.

Between the 17th and the 18th, Venus and Saturn will appear within just a few finger widths of each other, but the planets will of course still be hundreds of millions of miles apart.

Mars comes into play when it reaches ‘opposition’ with Earth on Thursday evening, 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.

For Mars, oppositions occur approximately every two years. Although this isn’t Mars’ “most spectacular” opposition, NASA says declaredthe planet is still closer than normal.

The planet parade continues until the end of February, Outdoor magazine reported. Mercury will even appear briefly, making it the seventh planet to be in the sky at the same time.

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

Where can I watch the planet parade?

Most people in the Northern Hemisphere, including the US, Canada and Mexico, should be able to see the planet parade all month long, between January 16 and February 28.

Most people in the Northern Hemisphere can watch the 'planet parade' all month long, between January 16 and February 28

Most people in the Northern Hemisphere can watch the ‘planet parade’ all month long, between January 16 and February 28

Uranus (left) and Neptune (right) require a telescope with an aperture of at least 20 cm and a magnification of about 100x to 150x to be seen

Uranus (left) and Neptune (right) require a telescope with an aperture of at least 8 inches and a magnification of about 100x to 150x to be seen

Starting today, those in the Northern Hemisphere should look west immediately after sunset to see Venus in the sky. Saturn will be to the left of Venus, while Mars will glow orange in the east and Jupiter will be high in the sky, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

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

Once dark, however, stargazers have only a few hours to view Venus before it sinks below the horizon for the evening.

Do I need a telescope to see the planet parade?

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

Uranus and Neptune are far too far away to see – 2.7 billion kilometers and 4.7 billion kilometers from Earth, respectively – so astronomers to suggest use a telescope with an aperture of at least 8 inches and a magnification of about 100x to 150x to view the planets.

How will the month-long celestial event affect me?

Despite some naysayers being strictly against astrology, this week-long planetary event can have a significant impact on your daily life, according to astrologer. Lisa Lazuli.

The year started with Mars in retrograde, when a planet appears to move backward from our vantage point on Earth. Some astrology enthusiasts cringe at the mere mention of retrogrades, as 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 full speed. Until February 23, Mars retrograde will emphasize self-discipline, reflection, and impulse control, which will have the most impact on those in the signs of Aries and Scorpio.

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 a higher love, a desire for stability, meaning and spiritual awareness through romantic interaction, Lazuli tells the Daily Mail.

“It is also quite inspiring for artists, because it unites the greatness of art with form, structure and the discipline to give concrete expression to the imagination,” she says.

Another important alignment this month is the New Moon on January 29, according to Lazuli, when the New Moon in Aquarius conjuncts Mercury and Pluto in Aquarius.

“The New Moon conjunction with Mercury and Pluto in Aquarius is extremely innovative and portends scientific discoveries, breaking taboos and technological advancements, indicating that the stage is set for AI adventures this year,” she adds.