This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you’ll be able to go to the hyperlink bellow:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/08/15/planet-parade-august-2025/85622916007/
and if you wish to take away this text from our web site please contact us
Best stargazing occasions to look at this August
August is a main month for Northern Hemisphere stargazing, with a meteor bathe, a uncommon planet lineup, and different celestial highlights to catch.
unbranded – Lifestyle
Did you miss the beginning of the planetary alignment final week? Well, don’t be concerned, you may nonetheless have a couple of extra days to see it earlier than the month is up. But this will likely be your final probability for the 12 months.
Usually, folks can search for on the vibrant sky and spot at the least one planet. Two or three planets are additionally generally hanging out within the night time sky, in response to NASA. But what about when 4, 5, and even six planets are seen?
Well, from Saturday, Aug. 16, to Wednesday, Aug. 20, six planets will likely be seen, in response to Andrew Fazekas, the Communications Manager for Astronomers Without Borders.
Stargazers hoping to see all the planets could have “a very short window of time” to take action, Fazekas stated. As Mercury will likely be tougher to see the additional we get to the tip of August, and just a few of the planets will likely be seen with the bare eye.
Here’s what it’s best to know in regards to the planetary alignment, often known as the planetary parade or planet parade, and what you have to see it.
Stargazers have one other probability to view the planetary parade
The planet parade, the place all six planets are aligned, began on Aug. 10. They embody Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus.
For these behind, Aug. 16 to Aug. 20 will turn out to be essential to stargazers frightened of lacking out, in response to Fazekas.
From Aug. 19 and Aug. 20, the crescent moon will line up with Jupiter and Venus and be a “great guidepost” to assist folks spot the planets, Fazekas provides.
The planetary parade will likely be seen round 45 minutes earlier than sundown and the following one will not occur till Feb. 28, 2026, in response to Starwalk.
What will you be capable of see?
Six of the seven planets seen from Earth will likely be within the night time sky for those who’re wanting on the proper time.
“You can actually see all of them if you have, of course, binoculars and telescopes handy,” stated Fazekas.
You will be capable of see the next planets through the planetary parade:
- Mercury– Visible to the bare eye, however binoculars will make it simpler to identify.
- Venus– Visible to the bare eye.
- Jupiter– Visible to the bare eye.
- Uranus– Binoculars are wanted to see this planet.
- Neptune– A small telescope may be wanted to see this planet.
- Saturn– Visible to the bare eye.
What do planets appear to be?
Fazekas asks would-be stargazers to be cautious of what they see on-line, particularly now, as content material created by AI turns into extra outstanding.
Fazekas is fearful persons are “expecting too much. Because when you’re talking about planetary parade, people think, ‘oh, I’m going to see all these planets all together. I can’t believe I’m going to see all of these things.’ And really, to the untrained eye, the planets… just look like bright stars.”
What is a planetary parade?
When a number of planets are seen within the night time sky, folks discuss with it as a planetary alignment or parade, in response to Fazekas and NASA. They can create an optical phantasm that appears like there’s a straight line.
True planetary alignment is “virtually impossible.”
“The term planetary parade is a colloquial term. It’s not an official astronomical one,” stated Fazekas. “It just simply means that the planets are visible in, generally, the same area of the sky.”
What tools do you have to view a planetary parade?
Certain planets will solely be seen with binoculars or a small telescope.
Those occupied with buying tools ought to avoid telescopes that price lower than $500 and go for Celestron, Robert Lunsford, the American Meteor Society’s publication editor and fireball report coordinator, informed USA TODAY.
He advises newbies to go for a telescope with a lens as an alternative of a mirror, and for these in search of a extra inexpensive possibility, he recommends buying a pair of binoculars as an alternative.
Tips for viewing the planetary parade
Fazekas advises folks to do the next when making an attempt to see the planets within the coming days:
- Get up early, earlier than dawn. Be on the stargazing location able to see the planets at the least 45 minutes earlier than the solar rises.
- Find a spot with a transparent, unobstructed view of the jap and southern horizon.
- Steer clear of sunshine air pollution and transfer away from cities.
- Have your binoculars or telescope able to view planets that are not seen to the bare eye.
- Use stargazing apps like Stellarium or Sky Safari.
Also, make sure you pack any mosquito repellent and examine the climate forward of time to verify skies are clear.
Contributing: Carlie Procell, Janet Loehrke; USA TODAY
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect together with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or electronic mail her at [email protected]
This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you’ll be able to go to the hyperlink bellow:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/08/15/planet-parade-august-2025/85622916007/
and if you wish to take away this text from our web site please contact us
