A unique celestial event is set to occur on August 28th as Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn align to light up the night sky. The best time to view this planetary parade is early in the morning just before sunrise. Depending on cloud coverage, the moon may also be visible along with the planets.
A planetary alignment involves multiple planets aligning in the sky. If more than two planets align, it can be categorized as a mini, small, large, or full planetary alignment, depending on the number of planets involved. A planetary parade occurs when five or more planets are positioned closely together in the sky, creating a visually stunning display.
This week’s planetary alignment is a rare and spectacular event, but it is important to note that it is mostly an optical illusion. The planets will not form a straight line in the sky, unlike some previous alignments captured by spacecraft. Time Magazine uses the example of positioning people in a field to illustrate how the planets will be scattered across the sky at different depths and distances.
The ideal time to view the parade of planets is about an hour before sunrise on August 28th. If you miss this early morning window, the alignment will still be visible for a few days after. For the best viewing experience, it is recommended to find a dark sky area away from light pollution. While Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn can be seen with the naked eye, Neptune and Uranus may require a telescope or binoculars.
To distinguish planets from stars in the night sky, look for the brightness and steady glow of planets compared to the twinkling of stars. Jupiter will be the brightest planet visible, followed by the others in the alignment. Using astronomy apps like Starwalk can help identify celestial bodies accurately when stargazing.
Following this week’s planetary parade, the next alignment will occur on January 18, 2025, when six planets will appear together in the night sky. In February of the same year, seven planets will be visible simultaneously in another celestial event. Astrologer Reda Wigle offers guidance on the impact of planetary alignments on zodiac signs through horoscopes that blend history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experiences.
