If you’ve been scrolling through social media, chances are you’ve come across the exciting buzz about a planetary alignment set to take place on January 25, 2025. Many posts are claiming that all 8 planets will align on one side of the sun, creating a spectacle visible in the night sky, an event scientists are calling a rare cosmic alignment.
While it’s not unusual for a few planets to cluster on one side of the Sun, a full alignment of all planets is an extraordinary occurrence. This rare celestial event has captivated the curiosity of people worldwide. As the excitement builds, here’s everything you need to know about where and how to witness this breathtaking phenomenon.
Planetary Parade On January 25, 2025
A planetary parade takes place when several planets appear to align from Earth's viewpoint, creating a visually captivating display in the night sky. However, this alignment is not a true configuration in space but rather a perspective-based illusion. According to NASA, such events, particularly those featuring four or more planets, are rare and significant, as they don’t happen every year.
NASA also clarified that the term ‘planetary parade’ is not an official astronomical term and can be slightly misleading. In reality, the planets cannot physically line up in a straight line within our three-dimensional solar system. Instead, their arrangement along the ecliptic plane creates the illusion of alignment as seen from Earth, despite being separated by millions of kilometres.
Astrophysicist Dr. Rebecca Allen, co-director of Swinburne University’s Space Technology and Industry Institute, highlighted that this rare planetary alignment offers a unique chance to observe so many planets lined up above the horizon,.
"The planets are aligned on the same side of the sun in their respective orbits, all within the same degrees in our sky, making this visible from Earth," she explained, according to The Guardian.
How To Watch The Planetary Parade On January 25, 2025?
The best time to witness this rare planetary alignment is just after sunset when the sky is sufficiently dark, but the planets are still visible above the horizon. Reports suggest that the best time to witness this planetary alignment in India will be after sunset, around 8:30 pm.
However, the ability to observe the event will largely depend on factors such as local weather conditions and light pollution in your area. According to NASA, planets like Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye. For a better view of Neptune and Uranus, binoculars or a telescope are recommended. Clear skies are essential to ensure the most optimal viewing experience.
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The planetary parade will remain visible for an entire four weeks, providing ample opportunity for stargazers to witness this celestial phenomenon.
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Credits: Freepik/NASA
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