Six planets will be visible in a rare planetary alignment.

This week, Australians will have the chance to witness a rare celestial event: a planetary parade featuring Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. These six planets will align in a dazzling display across the night sky, offering stargazers a spectacular start to 2025.

What is a planetary parade?

A planetary parade occurs when multiple planets in our solar system align closely along the same region of the sky, appearing near each other from our perspective on Earth. While the planets won’t be in a perfectly straight line, they will appear clustered together, creating a visually striking phenomenon for observers on Earth.

This planetary alignment in 2025 will feature four of the brightest planets visible to the naked eye: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus. Uranus and Neptune will also be visible, just not without a pair of binoculars or telescopes and a keen eye to spot them.

How to see it

The planetary parade will reach its peak visibility on the evening of Tuesday 21 January and the following few nights. Weather permitting, the best time to view the alignment is shortly after sunset, as the planets will appear low on the western horizon.

Astronomers recommend heading out at dusk to catch Venus and Saturn before they dip below the horizon. Mars and Jupiter will remain visible for longer, with Jupiter shining especially bright as the largest planet in the solar system.

To see the planetary parade, face west and look for the brightest objects in the sky. Venus will be the easiest to spot near the horizon, glowing with its characteristic bright white light. Above Venus, you’ll find Saturn, while Jupiter sits in the north and Mars in the north-east. Neptune and Uranus sit between Venus and Jupiter, but they are much dimmer, so again, you will need binoculars or a telescope to see them.

Where to see it

For those in major cities, light pollution may make it harder to see the full display. To get the best view, head to a darker location away from city lights. National parks, beaches or rural areas provide ideal conditions for stargazing.

Warrumbungle National Park in Central West NSW is Australia’s first (and only) Dark Sky Park, so if you’re able to make the trip there, it will be well worth it.

The country also has a number of other dark sky locations such as the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History in Winton, Queensland, the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the Flinders Ranges of Outback South Australia and Carrickalinga on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia which became Australia’s first International Dark Sky Community in May last year.

Tips for viewing

1. Timing is key: The planets will appear shortly after sunset, so plan to head outside just as the sky begins to darken.
2. Bring binoculars: Only four of the six planets are visible to the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view of the other planets too, especially for spotting Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons.
3. Check the weather: Clear skies are essential for optimal viewing, so check the forecast for your area before heading out.

Events like the planetary parade are a reminder of the beauty and scale of our solar system. These alignments don’t happen often, so they’re worth taking the time to enjoy.

Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a casual stargazer, this celestial event promises to be a breathtaking sight. So grab a blanket, find a dark spot and let the wonders of the night sky unfold before your eyes.