Witness a rare Planetary Parade visible across Indian skies, peaking mid-February.

In Short:
- Six planets—Venus, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars—align starting January 18.
- Best visibility: January 18 and February 1 after sunset.
- Easily seen with naked eyes in clear weather.
- Use stargazing apps for guidance; a telescope enhances the view.
Table of Contents
What’s the News?
Starting January 18, India’s night skies will host a breathtaking celestial event: the year’s best planet parade. This rare planetary parade will showcase six major planets—Venus, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars—offering an unmissable spectacle for stargazers across the country. As Venus and Saturn appear exceptionally close in the southwest sky, Indian viewers will have the perfect opportunity to experience the grandeur of our solar system.
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or a curious observer, this celestial event promises awe-inspiring views. Here’s a detailed guide to making the most of the planetary parade, tailored for Indian skies.
What is the Planetary Parade?

A planetary parade occurs when multiple planets align in a relatively straight line, visible from Earth. This alignment happens due to the varying orbits of planets around the Sun. While these planetary parades aren’t exceedingly rare, this January’s event is noteworthy for its visibility and the close proximity of Venus and Saturn—appearing just 2.2 degrees apart, roughly two pinky widths at arm’s length.
How to Watch the Planetary Parade in India
India’s geographic positioning and relatively clear skies during this season make it an ideal location for viewing the planetary parade. Here’s how to prepare:
- Date and Time: Begin observing after sunset on January 18. The best visibility window is from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time.
- Direction: Look towards the southwestern horizon to spot Venus and Saturn first. Gradually, shift your gaze upwards to locate the other planets.
- Weather Check: Ensure clear skies for optimal viewing. Apps like AccuWeather or SkySafari can help track conditions.
Top Apps for Stargazing and Planetary Parade Study
- SkySafari Plus ($12.99)
- Features: Extensive database, telescope control, detailed celestial object info, and augmented reality (AR) mode.
- Why it’s great: Perfect for navigating the night sky with precision.
- Sky Tonight (Free with in-app purchases)
- Features: Real-time star maps, planet visibility, and personalized stargazing schedules.
- Why it’s great: Beginner-friendly with professional-level features.
- Star Walk 2 (Free with premium options)
- Features: AR star maps, real-time tracking of celestial events, and a rich educational database.
- Why it’s great: A visually stunning app that simplifies complex astronomy data.
- Stellarium Mobile Plus ($14.99)
- Features: 3D simulation of the night sky, deep-sky objects, and telescope support.
- Why it’s great: Widely used by amateur astronomers for its detailed and accurate star charts.
- NASA App (Free)
- Features: High-resolution images, mission updates, and celestial observation tips from NASA experts.
- Why it’s great: A treasure trove of official astronomical content.
- Heavens-Above (Free)
- Features: Predicts satellite passes, ISS visibility, and planetary positions.
- Why it’s great: Ideal for spotting artificial satellites along with planets.
- Sky Guide ($4.99)
- Features: Notifications for celestial events, customizable filters, and AR integration.
- Why it’s great: Combines simplicity with powerful features.
- Solar Walk 2 (Free with premium options)
- Features: Interactive solar system model, detailed planetary data, and timeline of celestial events.
- Why it’s great: Perfect for studying planets in 3D.
- Night Sky (Free with subscription options)
- Features: Smartwatch integration, AR planet overlays, and live sky tours.
- Why it’s great: Excellent for Apple device users and immersive sky exploration.
- Cosmic Watch 2 ($4.49)
- Features: Advanced clock and astronomy tool with a 3D planetarium.
- Why it’s great: Helps visualize planetary Parade and time-space relationships.
Expert Tips for Planet and Star Studies

- Understand Planetary Behavior:
- Planets glow steadily, while stars twinkle due to atmospheric turbulence.
- Mars often has a pale-orange hue; Jupiter and Venus shine brightly.
- Use Binoculars Before a Telescope:
- Binoculars offer a wide field of view, making it easier to locate planets and constellations before zooming in with a telescope.
- Invest in Telescope Filters:
- Colored filters enhance details of planetary features. For example:
- Red filters improve Martian surface visibility.
- Blue filters enhance Jupiter’s cloud bands.
- Colored filters enhance details of planetary features. For example:
- Track with Ephemeris Data:
- Use tools like SkySafari or Stellarium to download real-time ephemeris data to predict planetary positions accurately.
- Learn Star Magnitudes:
- Stars and planets are classified by brightness (magnitude). Use this knowledge to identify objects by their luminosity.
- Observe During Opposition:
- Planets are brightest and closest to Earth during opposition. Schedule observations accordingly.
- Keep an Observation Log:
- Record dates, times, equipment used, and observations. Over time, this log helps track celestial events and improve skills.
- Practice Dark Adaptation:
- Spend 20–30 minutes in darkness before observing to allow your eyes to adapt. Along with that you can use a red flashlight to preserve night vision and your eyes gets used to it.
- Join Astronomy Clubs:
- Local astronomy groups often have access to professional-grade telescopes and organize stargazing events.
- Leverage Online Resources:
- Platforms like NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System and ESA’s Star Mapper provide interactive and educational content for advanced studies.
A Parade of Seven

Credit: Special Arrangement by www.deccanherald.com
While January’s event features six planets, a late-February alignment will add Mercury to the mix, making it a seven-planet spectacle. On February 28, all neighboring planets will appear simultaneously, though viewing Mercury and Neptune will be challenging due to their proximity to the Sun.
What Other Celestial Events Happened in January?
January has been a busy month for celestial enthusiasts. Early in the month, Mars was prominently visible in the night sky, and now the planetary parade adds to the excitement. As February approaches, Venus and the crescent moon will also come into close alignment, adding another layer of beauty to the skies.
Planetary events, retrogrades, and planet parades in 2025 along with their specific features:
Month | Event | Specific Feature |
---|---|---|
January 2025 | Planetary Parade | Venus, Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter aligned along the Sun’s elliptical plane; visible prominently in early January. |
Late February | Planetary Parade | All seven planets visible: Mercury (best visibility), Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Uranus, Saturn, and Neptune. – Saturn and Neptune are hard to spot due to proximity to the Sun. – Best viewed at sunset on February 28 over the western horizon. |
March 2025 | Venus Retrograde | Venus retrograde in Aries and Pisces (March 2–April 13); affects relationships and aesthetic preferences astrologically. |
March 2025 | Mercury Retrograde | Mercury retrograde in Aries and Pisces (March 15–April 7); impacts communication and travel planning astrologically. |
May 2025 | Pluto Retrograde | Pluto retrograde in Aquarius (May 4–October 14); linked with transformative and deep introspection. |
Mid-August 2025 | Planet Parade | Jupiter, Venus, Uranus, Saturn, Neptune, and Mercury visible simultaneously in the pre-dawn sky. – Mercury at peak visibility (August 19–20). – Venus, Jupiter, and the Moon will nearly aligned. Saturn and Neptune close together above the western horizon, Uranus overhead. |
July 2025 | Neptune Retrograde | Neptune retrograde in Aries and Pisces (July 4–December 10); influences dreams and spiritual growth astrologically. |
July 2025 | Saturn Retrograde | Saturn retrograde in Aries and Pisces (July 13–November 28); impacts discipline and responsibilities astrologically. |
July 2025 | Chiron Retrograde | Chiron retrograde in Aries (July 30, 2025–January 2, 2026); focuses on healing and personal growth astrologically. |
September 2025 | Uranus Retrograde | Uranus retrograde in Gemini and Taurus (September 6, 2025–February 4, 2026); highlights change and innovation astrologically. |
Best Times to View the Planetary Parade
- January 18: Venus and Saturn at their closest.
- January 21: Jupiter and Venus shine brighter with minimal moonlight interference.
- February 1: Venus aligns with the crescent moon in the southwest sky.
Each date offers unique views, so mark your calendars and plan accordingly.
Will You Need Equipment?
One of the joys of a planet parade is its accessibility. Here’s what you need to know:
- Naked Eye Viewing: Venus, Jupiter, and Mars are bright enough to be seen without equipment, even in urban areas with light pollution.
- Telescopes and Binoculars: Enhance your view of dimmer planets like Uranus and Neptune.
- Stargazing Apps: Apps like SkySafari and Star Walk provide real-time sky maps to locate planets accurately.
How Can I Find the Planets in the Sky?
To distinguish planets from stars, remember:
- Planets glow steadily, while stars twinkle.
- Venus has a bright, steady light, and Mars appears pale orange.
- Use a stargazing app to pinpoint each planet’s location.
Practical Tips for Stargazing in India
- Locations: While urban areas can suffice, rural locations with minimal light pollution offer the best experience. Consider visiting local observatories or national parks.
- Timing: Start just after sunset when the planets begin to appear.
- Comfort: Carry a reclining chair and warm clothing for extended viewing sessions.
Conclusion:
The planetary parade starting January 18 is a celestial treat that should not be missed. Whether you’re watching from your backyard or a serene countryside, the alignment of Venus, Saturn, and other planets offers a rare opportunity to marvel at the cosmos. Mark your calendars, grab a stargazing app, and prepare for a journey across the stars. Happy stargazing!
FAQs
What planets will be aligned in 2025?
In 2025, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will appear in various alignments, particularly during February and August planet parades.
When can I see planets in the sky in 2025?
The best times to see planets in 2025 are late February (February 28) and mid-August (August 19–20), during prominent planet parades.
What year will all 8 planets align?
A perfect alignment of all 8 planets in a straight line is extremely rare and is not expected in 2025; instead, partial alignments occur.
Where can I watch planet alignment 2025?
Planet alignments in 2025 can be viewed from any location with a clear, unobstructed view of the horizon, ideally in dark-sky areas like hilltops or open fields.
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