Rare planetary alignment tonight: How to witness the 6-planet parade from India

Skywatchers, get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime celestial treat! Six planets—Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—are aligning in a dazzling arc across the night sky. Visible for two months, this rare planetary alignment will hit its peak on January 25. By the end of February, Mercury will join the lineup, completing the cosmic spectacle of seven planets, with its visibility peaking between February 28 and March 12.

Although the planets won’t form a perfect line, they’ll align along the solar system’s orbital plane, creating a mesmerizing display for stargazers.

Special Events Across India

Astronomy groups nationwide are making the most of this cosmic event, hosting planet-gazing sessions that offer more than just a view of the alignment. Attendees can explore deep-space objects like galaxies and nebulae, making it an unforgettable experience.

Jyoti Raghavan Khanduja, founder of Forest Spirit Learning in Gurugram, is hosting her first astronomy event in Shikohpur. She shares, “The response from Delhi-NCR has been overwhelming. People of all ages are eager to connect with the vastness of the universe. Gazing at the night sky reminds us of how small we are in nature’s grand design.”

Similarly, YanamOffbeat, a travel company in Pune and Mumbai, has planned stargazing sessions on January 25 and 26, starting at 8:30 PM. Founder Piyush Arun says, “Our events are more than stargazing—they’re immersive experiences featuring high-powered telescopes, Q&A sessions with astronomers, meditation, and even lakeside camping.”

In Mumbai, Suraj Parab of Sahyadri Rangers reports a significant surge in interest, with bookings doubling to 90 participants this weekend. He explains, “Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are easy to spot with the naked eye, but Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or telescopes for a clearer view.”

Even smaller towns are joining the excitement. Satyansh Srivastava, founder of Universia in Dehradun, notes, “This celestial lineup doesn’t happen every year, making it a must-watch event. Our sessions include expert talks, telescopes, and a magical atmosphere perfect for learning and exploration.”

Why It’s Special

Seeing six planets aligned in one night, with four visible to the naked eye, is a rare and awe-inspiring event. Often called a "planet parade," this phenomenon is an excellent opportunity for everyone to appreciate the vastness of our universe.

Best Time to Watch

The ideal time to witness this stunning display is about an hour after sunset. Dr. Anup Singh, a microbiologist and photography enthusiast, suggests using long-exposure shots on your smartphone to capture the alignment clearly.

Apps to Enhance Your Experience

Can’t make it to an event? Use these apps to navigate the night sky from your location:

Star Walk

Star Tracker

Sky Map

Upcoming Astronomical Events in 2025

Mark your calendars for more celestial wonders:

Total Lunar Eclipse (March 13-14)

Jupiter-Venus Conjunction (August 12)

Super Harvest Moon (October 6)

Geminid Meteor Shower (December 13-14)

Whether you join an astronomy session or explore the stars from home, don’t miss the Planet Parade 2025—it’s a cosmic show you’ll remember for years to come!