Get ready for a spectacular celestial event on Saturday morning, August 24, when six planets line up in the sky. After a similar event on June 3, skygazers will have another chance to see Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, Mars and Mercury all at once. This parade of planets, while not incredibly rare, is a highlight of 2024, which has already seen a total solar eclipse and aurora borealis.
Viewing times and locations
The best time to view this astronomical spectacle in the United States is between 5:45 a.m. EST and sunrise, which will occur at 6:15 a.m. EST. Saturn will appear first, followed by Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars. Mercury will appear shortly before sunrise. For optimal viewing conditions, the New York state region offers the best location. However, people all over the United States will have a chance to see the event, although the window of visibility may vary slightly depending on location.
Global visibility
This parade of planets will also be visible in different regions of the world on different dates. Residents of Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong can watch it on August 23, and residents of Athens and Tokyo on August 24. Berlin, London and Reykjavík will have their chance on August 26, and the event will reach Mexico on August 28, São Paulo and Sydney on August 30. This global visibility makes it an exciting opportunity for many sky lovers.
Viewing tips
Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, but Neptune and Uranus require high-powered binoculars or a telescope. Mercury may be difficult to see due to its proximity to the sun, potentially requiring some magnification to get a clearer view. Cloud cover or light pollution may affect visibility, so finding a dark, clear spot will improve the experience.
Understanding Planetary Alignments
Planetary alignments, or planetary parades, occur when multiple planets are visible in the night sky at the same time. While such events vary in frequency and visibility, the upcoming alignments are a notable occasion. Future alignments of five or more planets are scheduled for January 18, 2025, February 28, 2025, and August 29, 2025.
