On January 21, a rare cosmic event is about to captivate astronomy enthusiasts and the curious. A veritable dance of the planets will be visible from Earth. Why is this “alignment” so special, and how can it best be contemplated? Here’s everything you need to know.
What this spectacular event has in store for us
On January 21, the seven major planets of our solar system – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune – will be visible in particularly notable positions. If such a grouping in the sky is already rare, what makes this date even more special is the simultaneous visibility of five of these planets with the naked eye: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
A cosmic rarity
Although planetary groupings are not completely new, those involving so many planets and visible without sophisticated equipment remain extremely rare. This type of spectacle, nicknamed “planetary parade”, only occurs a few times per century. On average, such a pattern may only occur once every 150 years, according to NASA data.
Why does it attract so much attention?
A unique panorama
Contrary to popular belief, the planets do not form a perfect line in the sky. They will appear scattered across the same region of the night sky, creating a striking panorama.
This phenomenon is a visual reminder of their common origin: all coming from the same protoplanetary disk, they orbit the Sun in a plane called the ecliptic.
Understanding the cosmic calendar
Planetary groupings are due to the orbital cycles of the planets. Each celestial body has its own period of revolution, making these events rare. For example, Jupiter takes 12 years to go around the Sun while Mercury only takes 88 days. Their orbits must therefore agree at a precise moment.
How to observe this spectacle?
Preparation and location
To enjoy this cosmic evening, follow these tips:
• Choose a dark place : Stay away from artificial lights. A park, field or hilltop are ideal.
• Choose the moment just after sunset : The best viewing conditions will be between 90 minutes and two hours after dusk.
• Use astronomy tools : While some planets like Venus and Jupiter are easy to see with the naked eye, a small telescope or binoculars will allow you to spot Uranus and Neptune.
Applications for better observation
To facilitate your experience, free applications like Stellarium or SkyView are available. These tools will help you locate planets accurately.
Planet —– Unique feature
Mercury —- The closest planet to the Sun, with one day lasting 176 Earth days.
Venus ——– Shines like the Shepherd’s Star and has a dense atmosphere of carbon dioxide. Mars Known for its monumental dust storms.
Jupiter ——- Protects Earth from asteroids thanks to its immense gravity.
Saturn ———– Its rings are composed of particles of ice and rock.
January 21, 2025 promises to be an unforgettable evening for lovers of stars and planets. Looking up at this “planetary parade”you will be able to connect to the immensity of the universe, while enjoying a rare moment of contemplation. Don’t forget to mark this date on your calendar and share this experience with your loved ones!
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