This Saturday, January 18th, the sky has a special treat in store for stargazers – a six-planet “parade”! That’s right, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and Venus are set to align in a stunning arc across the cosmos, visible to the naked eye. Here’s everything you need to know about this spectacle!
Mark your calendars—this is a starry event you don’t want to miss!
What’s Happening in the Sky?
Dr. Dan Brown, an astronomy expert from Nottingham Trent University, describes this planetary parade as a rare visual treat. These four visible planets will stretch across the evening sky, creating an arc so large it just fits into your eye’s field of view. Starting at 5pm and peaking at 6pm local time, here’s what to look forward to:
- Mars: The fiery red planet will anchor the left corner of your view.
- Venus: Brilliant and glowing, it’ll be right near Saturn, lighting up the right corner.
- Jupiter: One of the brightest objects in the sky, it’ll be impossible to miss.
- Saturn: A touch dimmer, but still easily spotted near Venus.
For optimal viewing, Mars, Venus, and Saturn will appear roughly 20 degrees above the horizon—so find a good vantage point!
Where and How to Watch
To make the most of this event, follow these tips:
- Pick the Perfect Spot: Choose an open area with clear views from the north-east to south-west horizons. Avoid places obstructed by tall trees or buildings. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best stargazing spots across Ireland, which you can find here.
- Timing is Everything: Arrive early, around 5 PM, so your eyes can adjust to the dim light of the early evening sky. The best viewing conditions will be at 6 PM.
- Look for Bright Objects: Mars, Venus, and Jupiter will be the brightest objects in the sky—your guiding beacons.
- No Equipment Needed: Leave the telescopes and cameras at home; these planets are bright enough to be seen with the naked eye. However, a camera with a wide lens could beautifully frame Venus and Saturn.
- Use a Sky Map App: If you’re struggling to locate the planets, apps like Night Sky can guide your gaze.
Why Do Planets Align?
This isn’t magic—just orbital mechanics! Planets align like this every so often due to their individual orbits around the Sun. What’s special about this alignment is how it stretches across the sky in a visually stunning arc.
But wait—there’s more! February promises another planetary alignment, featuring Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Mercury. This parade, on February 24th, will offer a slightly closer grouping, though still spanning a wide 117 degrees.
A Night to Remember
Don’t forget to wrap up warm, pick your perfect stargazing spot, and prepare for a night you’ll never forget. January 18th is a date with the stars—don’t miss it!
For more information on stargazing tips, check out resources like Night Sky or our guide to the best stargazing spots in Ireland.
