On the evening of January 21, 2025, skywatchers in India can look forward to a rare celestial event as six planets—Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—are expected to appear in alignment. While not forming a perfectly straight line, this rare occurrence offers a chance for people to see six planets positioned in close proximity from Earth’s perspective. Experts advise skywatchers to head to dark, open spaces away from urban lights for the best experience.

A Rare Celestial Parade

As per recent astronomical reports, the planetary alignment will become visible shortly after sunset at around 8:30 PM IST and will remain observable for nearly a month. This alignment is particularly significant as it marks one of the few instances in a decade where six planets will be visible simultaneously—a sight last witnessed in 2020. V S Syam, secretary of the Amateur Astronomers Organisation (AASTRO) in Kerala, stated, “It’s not just about the visual experience; this event serves as a reminder of how vast and interconnected our universe truly is.

Such alignments remind us of the intricate dance of celestial bodies.”Syam also highlighted that while Venus and Mars will be visible to the naked eye, Uranus and Neptune will require telescopes due to their faint luminosity and distance from Earth. Jupiter and Saturn will be easily discernible even in semi-lit areas.

Understanding Planetary Alignments

Planetary alignments occur when several planets cluster in one section of the sky as seen from Earth. According to experts from NASA and ISRO, this phenomenon is an optical effect caused by the planets being on one side of the Sun. The alignment may not be geometrically perfect; however, its visual impact remains extraordinary. “This event is not just for astronomers; it’s for everyone,” Syam added. “It’s a moment to look up and reflect on the marvels of the cosmos.”

Additionally, Virendra Yadav from the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences noted that while alignments involving multiple planets are not uncommon, witnessing all six at once is rare. He explained that such events serve as an opportunity to popularize astronomy and inspire future generations to explore space science.

When and Where to Watch

The alignment will first become visible shortly after sunset on January 21, with optimal viewing time around 8:30 PM IST. Skywatchers are advised to head to areas far from city lights—such as rural villages or elevated hills—for unobstructed views. Experts suggest using apps like Stellarium or SkySafari to locate the planets in the night sky.

In metropolitan cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, astronomy clubs and organizations have planned observation sessions in open spaces and parks. For those unable to travel to dark-sky areas, live-streamed coverage of the event is also being organized by several institutions.

Future Celestial Events in 2025

This six-planet alignment is not the only astronomical event of 2025. Reports indicate that another planetary parade featuring five or more planets is expected in February, followed by a seven-planet alignment later in February when Mercury joins the lineup.

Astronomers warn that alignments involving five or more planets will become increasingly rare after 2025, with the next major occurrence predicted for 2040.

A Shared Moment of Wonder

The upcoming alignment has already sparked excitement across scientific and amateur astronomy communities in India. A senior ISRO official remarked, “This isn’t just about planets lining up—it’s about people coming together under the same sky, experiencing a sense of wonder that transcends borders and beliefs.”

The Logical Indian Perspective

At The Logical Indian, we believe that celestial events like these provide an opportunity to bridge communities and foster a deeper appreciation for science and nature. Witnessing the vastness of the cosmos together reminds us of humanity’s shared experiences and curiosity, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

This planetary parade is more than just an astronomical event—it is a moment to connect, inspire, and learn. Whether you choose to watch from your backyard or join a local gathering, take this chance to reflect on the beauty of our universe and spark conversations about our place in it.

How do you plan to observe this celestial marvel? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!