Get ready for a rare planet parade tonight: How and where to witness planets visible in the night sky with naked eye

A rare celestial event is enchanting stargazers this week, as Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars align in a mesmerising planetary parade. This cosmic spectacle will culminate on 25 January, with all four planets forming a dazzling line visible to the naked eye. Such alignments occur infrequently, making this a must-see event for anyone fascinated by the wonders of space.

Best time and places to watch
The ideal time to view the alignment is 45 minutes after sunset. Venus and Saturn will appear in the southwest, Jupiter will shine brightly in the southeast, and Mars will rise in the eastern sky. This spectacular alignment lasts around three hours before Venus and Saturn disappear below the horizon.

For the best experience, find a dark spot away from city lights and focus on the southwestern horizon. The Venus-Saturn conjunction is a highlight, showcasing Venus shining 110 times brighter than Saturn. Telescopes also reveal Neptune near Venus and Saturn, with Uranus visible above Jupiter.

Mars and other sky wonders
Mars, at its brightest since 2022, adds to the event with its vivid reddish-golden glow. On 31 January, a crescent moon will sit just one degree from Saturn, followed by its close encounter with Venus on 1 February.