This week, a rare event will occur where six planets – Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn – will align in the night sky, creating a unique celestial display. This planetary alignment can be best observed early in the morning, just before sunrise. Depending on cloud coverage, the moon may also be visible during this alignment.
A planetary alignment occurs when more than two planets align in the sky. The number of planets aligning determines the scale of the alignment – from mini planetary alignments with three planets to full planetary alignments with eight or more planets. In this week’s event, five or more planets will align, creating a planetary parade, which is an informal term used for such occurrences.
Despite being labeled as an alignment, this planetary parade is more of an optical illusion, with the planets visible at various depths, distances, and positions across the sky. The alignment happening on August 28th is not a straight line of planets but rather a scattered display reminiscent of randomly placed individuals in a field. This celestial spectacle is a rare event that enthusiasts and astrologers alike enjoy observing.
The ideal time to witness this planetary parade is about an hour before sunrise on August 28th. The alignment will be visible for a few days after as well. To get the best view of this cosmic event, individuals are advised to head to dark sky communities away from light pollution. Some planets like Saturn and Mercury will be visible with the naked eye, while others like Neptune and Uranus will require telescopes or binoculars for viewing.
To distinguish between planets and stars in the night sky, look for the brightest luminary next to the moon, which will be Jupiter. Planets do not twinkle like stars, making them easier to identify. While technology can enhance the viewing experience, using astronomy apps like Starwalk ensures that you are looking at the correct celestial bodies in the sky.
The next planetary alignment following this week’s event will occur on January 18, 2025, featuring six planets in the night sky. The month after, on February 28, 2025, seven planets will align, offering another opportunity for celestial enthusiasts to witness this rare phenomenon. For those interested in astrology and the effect of planetary configurations on zodiac signs, astrologer Reda Wigle offers insightful and irreverent interpretations that integrate history, poetry, and pop culture in her horoscopes.
