A spectacular celestial event will unfold as six planets align in what astronomers call a planetary parade, offering skygazers a rare opportunity

Planetary alignments aren't rare, but they can be when they involve six of the eight planets in our solar system.

While four members of this 'parade' can be easily spotted in a clear dark sky, finding the final two can be something of a challenge.

Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn—will align in a rare celestial parade, visible for weeks. A seven-planet alignment follows on February 28. This natural event offers a chance to witness a stunning spectacle,

“Saturday evening, January 18: Venus and Saturn will appear nearest to each other. As evening twilight ends at 6:15 p.m. EST, Venus will be 30 degrees above the southwestern horizon with Saturn 2.2 degrees to the lower left. Saturn will set first on the western horizon almost 3 hours later at 9:04 p.m.”

A handful of planets in the solar system are expected to line up in the night sky for a few days in January 2025. Here's when to look up at the stars.

What is the parade of planets? How to see Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune this January and what days and times. Plus astrological effects.

Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will align in a straight line in the sky. While most of these planets will be visible to the naked eye, some will require binoculars for observation.