On January 21, 2025, a rare planetary alignment will occur, featuring six visible planets: Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Venus. This celestial event will be best viewed after sunset in clear skies, with Mars appearing furthest east, characterized by its rusty red hue.
Venus will dominate the night sky as the brightest object after the moon, followed by Jupiter, which has a light tan color. Saturn will present a pale yellow appearance, while Neptune and Uranus require telescopes or high-powered binoculars for observation due to their faintness.
The alignment happens when planets align on the same side of the sun from Earth's perspective, creating a diagonal line stretching from east to south across the night sky. Viewing should take place a few hours after sunset, particularly in the southeast direction.
Venus and Saturn will be in conjunction, appearing closest to each other, while Jupiter, Mars, and Uranus will be visible further east. The moon's last quarter phase will contribute to darker skies, enhancing visibility.
Optimal viewing locations include areas with minimal light pollution, such as the Lake District, Arthur's Seat, and the Shetland Islands. Stargazers are advised to allow their eyes to adjust to the darkness and check weather forecasts for cloud cover.
This alignment, while not exceedingly rare, presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts, as the last similar event occurred in June 2024. Although the planets appear close together in the sky, they remain millions of miles apart in reality. The perception of alignment is influenced by Earth's viewpoint, with no significant gravitational effects expected on Earth.