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Catch the Celestial Show: How to Spot the Planet Parade in Australia

Catch the Celestial Show: How to Spot the Planet Parade in Australia

The night sky is set to dazzle stargazers over the next week with a spectacular “planetary parade.” Six major planets and a bonus comet will be visible in the skies, providing a rare opportunity for Australians to enjoy a celestial show.

Which Planets Are Visible?

Currently, four bright planets—Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars—are easily visible with the naked eye just after sunset. Venus and Saturn are particularly close, forming a conjunction. This weekend is an excellent time to spot these two planets. Donna Burton, an astronomer at Milroy Observatory in Coonabarabran, explains that Venus and Saturn will be visible in close proximity, making Saturn easy to spot with binoculars.

To top it off, a comet, C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), will also grace the sky during this alignment. Uranus and Neptune, while visible, require binoculars or a telescope for a closer look.

Figure 1: On January 21, 2025, a planetary alignment of Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn will be visible from the Northern Hemisphere. (© Vito Technology, Inc.)

Best Time to See the ‘Planet Parade’

The best time to view the planetary alignment is between 60 and 90 minutes after sunset. According to Burton, head towards the western horizon to spot Venus, which is the “evening star.” Jupiter will be located towards the north, sitting high in the sky, while Mars, with its orange hue, will be lower in the north-east.

Saturn will also be visible in the west. However, to catch a glimpse of Saturn’s rings, you’ll need a small telescope. Venus and Saturn will be visible only briefly after sunset before they slip below the horizon, so it’s best to head out early, especially in southern parts of the country.

Neptune and Uranus sit between Venus and Jupiter but are too faint to be seen without extra equipment.

Catching Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)

The comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) has survived perihelion and is currently looking spectacular. Amateur astronomer Ian Musgrave notes that the comet has been photographed in the US just minutes after sunset. To catch a glimpse of the comet in the southern hemisphere, head to a location with a low western horizon, such as a beach or field free of buildings or trees. The comet will appear as a bright star, but its tail will require binoculars or a telescope to view clearly.

The comet is moving away from the Sun, meaning it will soon begin to dim, so be sure to catch it while it’s still visible.

Viewing Tips for the Best Experience

While many of the planets and the comet can be seen with the naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope will provide a much clearer view. Through binoculars or a telescope, you can spot Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, and perhaps even Neptune and Uranus.

If you’re unfamiliar with the night sky, Burton recommends using stargazing apps. These apps can guide you to the planets and stars in the sky above your location. Several free apps can provide the information you need by simply holding your phone up to the sky.

The Reality of ‘Planetary Alignment’

Though it may appear as though the planets are perfectly aligned, they are actually millions of kilometers apart in space. This phenomenon, often referred to as a “planet parade,” doesn’t mean that the planets are in perfect alignment. Instead, the planets are positioned in a way that makes them appear to travel in a line across the sky. In reality, their positions depend on how their orbits align with ours.

While this event might not constitute a perfect alignment, it still offers a rare opportunity for observers to witness many planets in the sky at once.

The Importance of Stargazing and Protecting the Night Sky

For Burton, this planetary parade serves as more than just a celestial spectacle. It’s a reminder of the importance of protecting the beauty of the night sky. As she points out, people in rural areas often take the starry sky for granted, but urban residents are more likely to miss out due to light pollution.

“People in cities like Sydney often come to the observatory and are amazed because they’ve never seen a truly dark sky,” Burton says. “It’s a chance for us to think about reducing light pollution.”

By cutting back on excessive outdoor lighting, especially bright lights pointing upwards, we can all contribute to preserving the beauty of the night sky.

The So-Called ‘Once in 396 Billion Years’ Event

There has been a lot of buzz on social media about a “once in 396 billion years” planetary alignment taking place on January 25. However, this claim is misleading. The phenomenon is not as rare as some suggest, and it certainly doesn’t occur once in such a vast timeframe. In fact, planetary alignments are not that uncommon, and this particular alignment involves planets being visible from Earth, not necessarily in perfect alignment.

While this month’s alignment may not be a once-in-a-lifetime event, it still provides a captivating display of planets in the night sky. As the alignment continues through February, be sure to grab the chance to observe this stunning cosmic spectacle before it fades.

Conclusion

The planetary parade over the next week offers an exciting chance for Australians to observe the beauty of the night sky. With six planets and a comet in view, it’s a reminder of the vastness of our solar system and the wonders of the universe. While this alignment isn’t as rare as some may claim, it still provides a spectacular show for stargazers across the country.

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