As the new year unfolds, stargazers are in for a cosmic treat. This January, the night sky brings a rare planetary parade, and for those with keen eyes, the fleeting brilliance of a comet not seen in over 160,000 years. Here’s everything you need to know about these captivating celestial events and how you can catch them in India.

The Planetary Parade: A Stunning Lineup of Six Planets

On January 25, 2025, skywatchers across India will be treated to a rare sight—a planetary parade featuring six planets: Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus. This alignment, visible throughout the month of January, reaches its peak on January 25 when Mercury briefly joins the spectacle, completing the lineup of our solar system’s major planets (excluding Earth).

While “planetary parade” sounds like a perfect straight-line alignment, NASA clarifies that it’s a matter of perspective from Earth. The planets are millions of kilometers apart in reality, but their positioning along the ecliptic plane makes them appear to be aligned in the sky. This optical illusion is what makes the event so enchanting.

What to Expect:

• Venus and Saturn will be visible in the southwest during the early hours after sunset.
• Jupiter will shine brightly overhead, while Mars will be to the east.
• To spot Neptune and Uranus, a telescope will be necessary, as these distant planets are less visible to the naked eye.

The alignment begins on January 21 and remains visible for about four weeks, offering ample time to enjoy the spectacle.

Mercury Joins the Parade

For a few days around January 25, Mercury will briefly join the parade, completing the display of all seven planets (excluding Earth) in our solar system. However, spotting Mercury will be challenging. Due to its proximity to the Sun and its small size, it’s best viewed just after sunset, but even then, it will be faint.

Best Viewing Time in India:

The optimal time to catch the planetary parade is around 8:30 PM on January 21. The best locations for viewing are those with minimal light pollution, such as rural areas or places far from city lights. Find a dark spot with a clear view of the western horizon for the best chance to enjoy the alignment.

Tips for Observing:

• Naked Eye Viewing: Planets like Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are bright enough to be seen without any equipment.
• Telescope Required: Neptune and Uranus require a telescope for clear viewing.
• Location: For the clearest view, head to places with minimal light pollution. Rural areas, national parks, or coastal regions are ideal.

A Comet to Remember: Comet G3 ATLAS

But that’s not all. Skywatchers have another celestial marvel to look forward to—the arrival of Comet G3 ATLAS. This comet, which made its closest approach to the Sun on January 13, 2025, is a rare visitor from the outer reaches of the solar system, last seen over 160,000 years ago. Discovered in April 2024, the comet brightened rapidly, reaching a magnitude of -3.2, making it visible to the naked eye.

Though skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere had the best view, the comet’s brilliance—potentially outshining planets like Venus and Jupiter—was visible just after sunset, glowing brightly against the twilight sky. This close pass, coming within 8.7 million miles of the Sun, offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe a rare cosmic visitor.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss These Events

Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or simply a curious stargazer, the planetary parade and Comet G3 ATLAS offer a unique opportunity to marvel at the wonders of our solar system. These celestial events provide a rare chance to witness a spectacular cosmic dance that happens once in a lifetime.

For the best viewing experience, gather your telescope, find a dark spot away from city lights, and make sure to catch these breathtaking phenomena before they vanish.