This month, four luminous planets can be observed collectively in the night sky, an event that NASA refers to as a “planetary parade,” which is essential for astronomy enthusiasts.
In January, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will each feature prominently in the night sky (Mars will be at its nearest to Earth during this weekend), so if you’re curious about the more prominent bright “stars” currently visible, they may actually be planets.
“In January, you have the chance to behold four bright planets in an expansive view,” stated Preston Dyches from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in a video guide about the January night sky. “These opportunities to view multiple planets aren’t exceptionally rare, but they don’t occur annually, thus making it worthwhile to observe.”
Throughout the month, Saturn and Venus will radiate brightly in the southwestern sky shortly after sunset and during the early hours of the night, according to Dyches.
Conversely, Jupiter will gleam brightly high overhead all night long. Mars will rise in the eastern sky as night progresses and may exhibit a reddish hue through telescopes and binoculars. (If you’re seeking equipment to observe the planets, refer to our best telescopes guide and best binoculars overview for suggestions on what to utilize.)
Although the four planets will seem to align in the night sky, this so-called “alignment” is not something novel, Dyches explained.
“It’s true they will appear to form a line across the sky, but that is the typical behavior of planets,” he added. “This line is referred to as the ecliptic, representing the plane of the solar system in which the planets orbit the sun.”
As the planets occupy the same relative plane, they may appear closely positioned to each other from our perspective on Earth.
For instance, on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18, Venus and Saturn will appear extremely near each other in what astronomers designate as a planetary conjunction. This meet-up of Venus and Saturn comprises one of various unmissable events on our January night sky checklist.
While Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn may provide stunning views this month, they aren’t the only planets visible in the night sky. They simply happen to be the most prominent, according to Dyches.
“Uranus and Neptune are present as well, technically,” Dyches elaborated in the video. “However, they do not exhibit the brightness of the other planets.” You will need a telescope to locate both gas giants in the night sky, he advised.
Editor’s Note: Should you capture a fantastic photograph of Venus, Mars, Saturn, or Jupiter and wish to share it with Space.com’s audience, please send your photo(s), comments, along with your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.