This January, stargazers are in for a treat as four of our solar system’s planets—Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars— will align in a stunning cosmic display.
The event will be visible soon after sunset, and it reaches its peak on January 17 and 18.
During these dates, Venus and Saturn will appear unusually close in the sky, separated by just a couple of finger widths.
This January, stargazers are in for a treat as four of our solar system’s planets—Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars— will align in a stunning cosmic display. The event will be visible soon after sunset, and it reaches its peak on January 17 and 18. During these dates, Venus and Saturn will appear unusually close in the sky, separated by just a couple of finger widths. For skywatchers, this is an opportunity to witness an extraordinary alignment.
One of the standout features of this event is Mars, which will be at its brightest in two years. This is because Mars will reach opposition on January 15-16. It will be visible all night, rising in the east around sunset and setting in the west at sunrise. Sitting in the constellation Gemini, Mars will have a brilliant luminosity of -1.4 magnitudes, ensuring it stands out in the night sky.
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Meanwhile, Venus and Saturn will captivate skywatchers with their close alignment in the southwest, while Jupiter, shining brightly and positioned high overhead, completes this cosmic quartet.
While Uranus and Neptune will also be visible this month, they are faint and require a telescope to observe. However, the alignment of Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars makes this event a rare and exciting opportunity for everyone, from casual stargazers to seasoned astronomers.
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These types of planetary alignments, often called “planet parades,” don’t happen often, making this January a particularly special time to look up at the sky. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skywatcher, January’s planetary alignment offers a chance to enjoy the beauty of our solar system. Don’t miss this chance to witness a celestial ballet that won’t repeat for years.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
