– Six planets of the Solar System will align in one area of the sky, forming what is commonly called a ‘planetary alignment.’ While this term isn’t strictly scientific, it is widely used in popular astronomy. This rare spectacle is worth seeing.
Planets orbit the Sun in the same plane but with different orbital periods. For example, Jupiter completes a full orbit in 12 years, while Mars does so in 2 years. Because of this, they periodically come close, creating the illusion of alignment.
– In reality, the planets don’t form a perfect straight line in space—this is a projection of their positions in Earth’s sky. They align along the ecliptic, an imaginary line tracing the Sun’s path over a year.
On August 10, 2025, about an hour before sunrise, the following planets will be visible in the eastern and southeastern sky:
– Mercury—closest to the horizon, faintly glowing;
– Jupiter—the second brightest object after Venus.
– Venus—the brightest “morning star.”
– Uranus—binoculars will be needed.
– Neptune—visible only with a telescope.
– Saturn—yellowish, positioned higher than the others.
A full “sturgeon” Moon will also join this alignment, making the sight even more spectacular. The “parade” can be observed until roughly the end of August.
– Four planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn—will be visible to the naked eye. According to NASA, such alignments occur every few years.
Time and Location
– Best observed 60 minutes before sunrise.
– Choose an open area with a clear view of the eastern horizon.
– The less light pollution, the better the planets will be visible.
Required Equipment
– Binoculars (for observing Uranus) or a telescope (for Neptune).
– Warm clothing (morning air can be chilly).
– An astronomy app (Stellarium, Sky Tonight) to pinpoint planet positions.
How to Distinguish Planets from Stars
– Venus—the brightest, unmistakable.
– Jupiter—slightly dimmer, located near Venus.
– Saturn—yellowish and positioned higher.
– Mercury—faintly glowing near the horizon.
On August 12 and 13, an exclusive nighttime observation event called “Night of the Titans” will be held. Enthusiasts will be able to witness the planetary parade under expert guidance.
Background
Astronomers classify planetary alignments by the number of participating planets:
– Mini-alignment (3 planets)—occurs fairly often.
– Medium (4–5 planets)—happens every few years.
– Major (6–7 planets)—a rare event.
– Full (all 8 planets)—last observed in 949 and 2022, with the next expected in 2492.
Previously, a powerful solar flare was reported. If a coronal mass ejection occurs, its plasma clouds can trigger geomagnetic storms upon reaching Earth.