If you’ve ever wanted to see multiple planets lighting up the night sky at the same time, 2025 is your chance! A rare celestial event known as a “planet parade” will see five planets—Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and Mercury—align in the night sky, creating a dazzling display for stargazers. Here’s everything you need to know to catch this breathtaking sight, especially if you’re in Australia.
What Is a Planet Parade?
A planet parade happens when several planets appear close together in the sky from Earth’s perspective. This alignment doesn’t mean the planets are physically close to one another (they’re still millions of kilometres apart); it’s all about how they line up in the sky as they orbit the Sun.
In 2025, five of our solar system’s planets will form this beautiful alignment, creating a rare and stunning cosmic show. Events like this occur because each planet orbits the Sun at different speeds and distances, making their positions occasionally “line up” in the night sky.
While the planets won’t be perfectly aligned in a straight line, they’ll appear clustered together in a small section of the sky—an impressive sight for astronomy fans and casual stargazers alike.
When Is the Best Time to Watch?
The planetary alignment will be most visible between late January and early February 2025, with the peak occurring around January 25–27. During these dates, all five planets will be visible in the evening and early morning skies.
The exact timing depends on your location, but in general:
- Mercury and Venus will be easiest to spot right after sunset, near the horizon.
- Jupiter and Mars will shine brightly higher up in the sky.
- Saturn may require a telescope or binoculars for a better view since it will appear dimmer.
If you miss the event in late January, don’t worry—several planets will remain visible together for a few weeks into February.
Where Can You See the Planet Parade in Australia?
Australia is one of the best places to see this celestial event, thanks to its dark skies and low levels of light pollution in many rural areas. The farther you are from city lights, the better your chances of seeing all five planets clearly.
Top viewing spots in Australia include:
- Rural areas in Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.
- National parks or remote outback locations.
- Lookouts and parks near your town or city, as long as they have minimal light pollution.
Even in urban areas, you can still catch parts of the planet parade. Try heading to a local park or elevated spot with a clear view of the horizon.
Tips for Stargazing Success
You don’t need expensive equipment to enjoy the planet parade, but a few simple tips can make the experience even better:
- Check the weather forecast. Clear skies are essential for stargazing, so plan your outing on a cloud-free night.
- Arrive early. Get to your stargazing spot before sunset to find the best viewing position.
- Use binoculars or a telescope. While the planets are visible to the naked eye, these tools can help you see details like Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons.
Download an astronomy app. Apps like Star Walk or SkySafari can guide you to each planet’s position in real-time, making it easier to find them in the sky.
Why Is the 2025 Planet Parade Special?
Planetary alignments like this don’t happen every year. Seeing five planets together in the same stretch of sky is a rare treat, last occurring in 2022. These alignments happen roughly every 18–20 years, so this is a must-see event for astronomy enthusiasts.
Aside from its beauty, the event is also a reminder of the vastness of our solar system and the precise orbits that allow us to see such cosmic wonders.
Fun Facts About Planet Parades
- How often do they occur? Smaller alignments involving two or three planets happen every few years. However, alignments with five or more planets are much rarer.
- Are they special scientifically? While there’s no major scientific breakthrough linked to alignments, they offer astronomers unique opportunities to observe multiple planets simultaneously.
Do planets actually “align”? Not exactly! A planet parade is all about perspective—it’s how the planets appear from Earth, not how they’re arranged in space.
Don’t Miss the Show!
The 2025 planet parade is an event you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just curious about the night sky, it’s the perfect excuse to head outside, look up, and marvel at the universe.
Mark your calendar for late January, gather your family or friends, and enjoy this rare and spectacular show from wherever you are in Australia. The planets are waiting—are you ready to see them?
