How to glimpse a parade of planets in the January night sky

Six planets are gracing the January night sky in a “planetary parade,” a phenomenon where several planets appear to align in the sky. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or telescopes. The alignment isn’t perfectly straight but offers a stunning celestial display on one side of the sun.

Mars shines particularly bright this month due to its position opposite the sun. On January 19 and 20, Venus and Saturn will appear especially close, only two degrees apart. For the best view, head outside on a clear night a few hours after sunset, face south, and look for the planets shining brighter than stars. Venus and Saturn can be found in the southwestern sky, Jupiter in the south, and Mars in the southeast, glowing with a reddish-orange hue.

Stargazing apps can help locate the planets, and Mercury will join the lineup by late February. The parade will gradually fade through the spring, offering a humbling glimpse into our solar system’s vastness.

Source: AP News