Six Planets Align This Week in Rare Sky Show

Six planets are putting on a spectacular show in the night sky this week, creating a rare celestial event that won't require complicated astronomy knowledge to enjoy.

Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, Neptune, Uranus, and Mercury are all visible at once in what astronomers call a "planetary parade." While some planets shine bright enough to spot with your naked eye, others need a telescope to catch their distant glow.

The best viewing window comes about an hour after sunset when the western sky starts to darken. Venus and Mercury will appear closest to the horizon, shining through the twilight glow before following the sun out of sight. Saturn sits roughly ten degrees above Venus, while Jupiter glows high in the eastern sky near the waxing gibbous moon.

Finding the perfect spot matters more than expensive equipment for this event. Scout out a location with a clear view to the horizon ahead of time, ideally somewhere elevated without trees or buildings blocking your sightline. Smartphone stargazing apps can show exactly where to look in your local sky, taking the guesswork out of planet hunting.

The dimmer ice giants Neptune and Uranus present more of a challenge. Neptune hovers just two degrees from Saturn but needs a telescope with at least an 8-inch aperture to reveal its tiny blue disk. Uranus can be found below the Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus, again requiring magnification to spot its faint light.

Why This Inspires

This planetary parade reminds us that wonder lives right above our heads, waiting for us to simply look up. Award-winning photographer Josh Dury already captured stunning images of the alignment over southern England, proving that everyday people can witness and document extraordinary cosmic moments. No special training required, just curiosity and clear skies.

The alignment peaks this week but remains visible for several more nights, giving everyone multiple chances to catch the show.