Sun Jan 19 21:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Planetary Parade Lights Up Night Sky This Month
**Querétaro, Mexico** – A spectacular planetary alignment is captivating stargazers worldwide this month. Four planets – Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars – are visible to the naked eye in the early evening hours, according to NASA. This celestial display, while not unprecedented, is a rare treat that won’t happen annually.
The highlight of this planetary parade occurs this Friday and Saturday, when Venus and Saturn appear incredibly close together in the southwest sky after dusk. While appearing close from Earth’s perspective, they are actually hundreds of millions of miles apart. Meanwhile, Mars reaches opposition this month, meaning it’s directly opposite the sun with Earth in between. This places Mars at its closest and brightest point to Earth, a phenomenon that occurs approximately every two years. Jupiter will be visible high overhead during the early evening. Uranus and Neptune are also part of the alignment, but require binoculars or a telescope for viewing.
NASA suggests distinguishing planets from stars by noting planets’ steady shine, unlike the twinkling of stars. This month’s event follows a similar, but less visible, planetary alignment in June 2024. So grab your binoculars, or simply look up and enjoy this breathtaking cosmic show!
First Piper 