Luxembourg residents will be able to see a big parade of planets

In January 2025, a parade of six planets will be visible in the skies of Luxembourg. Most of them will be visible to the naked eye. This astronomical phenomenon is an optical illusion. The planets seem to line up in the night sky, although they are only relatively close to each other on one side of the Sun. Hannah Sparks of the Bishop Museum Planetarium in Florida notes that planet parades happen quite often, about once a year. However, not every time they involve six celestial bodies at once.  For example, the parade of planets could also be observed last June, but then without special equipment could see only two planets.

Depending on the number of planets involved, astronomers distinguish the following types of alignments: mini-parade - from 3 planets; moderate alignment - 4-5 planets; large parade - 5 or more planets; full alignment - 7 planets.

Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye this time, while Uranus and Neptune will be visible through binoculars or a telescope. Mars, which is opposite the Sun, will stand out, making it shine brighter. Mercury will join the parade towards the end of February.

The best time to observe the phenomenon is on clear and cloudless nights, especially the nights of 21 and 22 January. In general, however, it will last until 28 February. Kevin Williams of the Buffalo Planetarium recommends looking south a few hours after sunset. Venus and Saturn will be visible in the southwest, Jupiter in the south, and Mars in the southeast or east. The planets will be brighter than the stars, and Mars will appear as a red-orange dot.