Six-planet alignment lights up the January sky
The alignment will remain visible until mid to late February

SHAH ALAM - On Jan 21, six planets — Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus and Saturn — will align in a rare celestial event.
Visible from most parts of the world, this extraordinary ‘planetary parade’ offers a stunning opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to witness the beauty of the night sky.
What is a Planetary Alignment?
A planetary alignment occurs when several planets gather on one side of the Sun, appearing to form a line from our perspective on Earth. While the alignment is not a perfectly straight line due to the varying speeds and distances of the planets' orbits, the visual effect is captivating.
NASA refers to this phenomenon as a ‘planetary alignment,’ though it is also colloquially known as a ‘planetary parade.’ Such alignments are categorised based on the number of planets involved:
- Mini-alignment: Three planets
- Small alignment: Four planets
- Large alignment: Five or six planets
- Great alignment: All planets of the solar system, occasionally including Pluto
Details of the Jan 21 event
On the evening of Jan 21, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus and Saturn will form a large planetary alignment visible from almost anywhere on Earth.
While the spectacle will peak on Jan 21, the alignment will remain visible until the second half of February, albeit with the planets gradually shifting positions.
How to watch the Six-Planet Alignment
The optimal time to observe this event is shortly after sunset. Venus, Saturn and Neptune set between 9.30pm and 10.30pm local time, so starting early in the evening is ideal.
For the clearest view one should find a location far from artificial light and allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
What to look for
- Mars: Bright and red, Mars will be visible near the constellation Gemini. Its opposition to the Sun makes it appear larger and more luminous. A telescope can reveal its polar ice cap and the enormous Vallis Marineris canyon.
- Jupiter: Situated west of Mars in the constellation Taurus, Jupiter is easily visible to the naked eye. With binoculars or a telescope, you can spot its moons, cloud bands and potentially its Great Red Spot.
- Uranus: Close to the Pleiades star cluster, Uranus appears as a pale blue dot through binoculars or a telescope. Its rings and moons may be visible with powerful equipment.
- Neptune: Found near the constellation Aquarius, Neptune requires a telescope or high-powered binoculars to see. It appears as a star-like object and with very advanced equipment, its moon Triton may be spotted.
- Venus and Saturn: Low in the western sky, these two planets will be close together, separated by just three degrees on Jan 21. Venus shines brightly, while Saturn's rings and moons can be seen with binoculars or a telescope.
Other Planetary Alignments in 2025
If you miss this event, there are two other significant alignments to look forward to this year:
- Feb 28: Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars align in the evening sky.
- Aug 11: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn align in the morning.
Planetary alignments featuring six planets are rare. After 2025, the next such event would not occur until 2040. This January offers a chance to immerse yourself in the magic of the cosmos.
These occurrences highlight the unique dynamics of our solar system, offering multiple chances for stargazers to marvel at the celestial dance of planets.
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