Stargazers are in for a rare spectacle as six planets align in what’s being called a planetary alignment. The planets are gradually coming closer, with Saturn and Venus now only a finger’s width apart following their conjunction last week.
Such planetary alignments are relatively rare, presenting a special opportunity for both astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers. While the planets won’t align in a perfectly straight line, their simultaneous visibility in one part of the sky promises to be a breathtaking sight.
Six Planets to Align: A Cosmic Spectacle Awaits
The celestial lineup will feature Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus in an imperfect alignment. Despite appearing in the same region of the sky, these planets remain separated by millions of kilometers in the vast expanse of space.
This rare alignment is a result of Earth’s position in its orbit. According to NASA, Mars reached “opposition” in January, where it was directly opposite the Sun from Earth, forming a straight line. This period also brought Mars closest to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.
When and Where to Witness the Planetary Alignment
The alignment of six planets will be visible on January 21. The best time to view this celestial event is about 45 minutes after sunset, lasting up to three hours until Venus and Saturn set below the western horizon.
According to NASA, throughout the month, Venus and Saturn can be spotted in the southwest shortly after dark, while Jupiter will shine brightly overhead, and Mars will rise in the east. Don’t miss this stunning display in the night sky!
Will the Planetary Alignment Be Visible in India?
Yes, this rare planetary alignment will be visible across India, weather and cloud cover permitting. People in almost every city will have the chance to witness this celestial event.
While Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn can be seen with the naked eye, a telescope will be needed to spot Neptune and Uranus, as they are much dimmer in the night sky.