A spectacular celestial event is gracing the night skies, offering stargazers a chance to witness an extraordinary planetary gathering. From Tuesday, 21 January, to Saturday, 25 January, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars will align in a spectacular display visible to the naked eye. This rare celestial event, which includes Venus and Saturn coming within two degrees of each other, offers an extraordinary opportunity to marvel at the beauty of our solar system. The event is a must-see for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
Where and When to Watch
The best viewing window is 45 minutes after sunset. Venus and Saturn will shine brightly in the southwest, Jupiter will dominate the southeast, and Mars will rise in the east. The alignment will last around three hours before Venus and Saturn set. For optimal viewing, find a dark location away from urban lights and look towards the southwestern horizon.
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Venus and Saturn Conjunction
A highlight of the celestial event is the Venus-Saturn conjunction, which began on Saturday, 18 January. Venus, the second-brightest object in the sky, appeared 110 times brighter than Saturn. The two planets were close enough to create a breathtaking sight visible to the naked eye and through binoculars.
In addition to the four easily visible planets, Neptune and Uranus can also be seen with a telescope. Neptune is located near Venus and Saturn, while Uranus is positioned above Jupiter. However, Mercury won’t be part of this display, as it remains obscured by the sun's glare.
Mars and More Celestial Delights
Mars is currently at its brightest since 2022, thanks to its recent opposition on 12 January. Its reddish-golden hue makes it particularly striking in the east, adding to the planetary spectacle. The celestial show doesn’t end here. On 31 January, a crescent moon will appear just one degree from Saturn, followed by its proximity to Venus on 1 February. These events align beautifully with Lunar New Year celebrations, making the sky an even more captivating sight.
This week offers a rare chance to witness the wonders of our solar system—an unforgettable experience for all sky lovers.
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