Planetary Parade : 21st to 25th January 2025

Get Ready for a Planetary Parade!

Hey, young scientists! An exciting celestial event is happening this month that you do not want to miss.

From Jan 21, 2025, to mid-February 2025, six of our solar system’s planets will be visible together in the night sky - this is known as a “planetary parade”.

The planets putting this spectacular show are: 

• Venus
• Mars
• Jupiter
• Saturn
• Uranus
• Neptune

While Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn can be seen with just your eyes, you will need a telescope of binoculars to see Uranus and Neptune. 

When and Where to Look:

The best time to observe the parade is just after sunset to about 9:30 PM on January 25, 2025. Find a spot with a clear view of the horizon, and if you can, away from city lights. So mark your calendar!

Spotting the Planets: 

• Venus: Face southwest, where the sun is setting. Look high in the sky for a very bright white “star” - that’s Venus. 
• Saturn: Just a bit to the left of Venus, you will see a slightly dimmer, pale-yellow “star” - that’s Saturn. With a telescope, you can see Saturn’s rings. 
• Mars: Face east and look above the horizon for a small but bright red “star”, that’s Mars. 
• Jupiter: Continue facing east and look higher in the sky for a bright pale-white “star”, the brightest “star” in that part of the sky. That’s Jupiter and with a telescope, you can see four of its largest moons, known as the Galilean Moons. 
• Uranus and Neptune: These planets are very far away and faint. To find them, you need telescope . 

                                                                    Sky chart showing the planetary lineup visible after dark in January 2025 NASA/JPL-Caltech

Tips for Observing: 

• Use a Star Map or App: Tools like astronomy apps can help you identify and locate the planets in the sky. Sometimes planets can look like stars in the night sky. 
• Planets don’t twinkle: Unlike stars, planets do not twinkle, so look for stars that don’t move. 
• According to NASA, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars will all be visible in the first couple hours after dark throughout the month of January, Venus and Saturn being found in the southwest, Jupiter high overhead and Mars in the east. Uranus and Neptune will also be in the lineup but will likely require a telescope to see. 
• Stay Warm: January nights can be very cold, so dress warmly and wear everything you can. 
• Safety First: Always have an adult with you when stargazing at night.

Nutty Scientists Canada