Six planets – Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn – all orbit more or less along the same ecliptic plane around the Sun and will align in a line in the sky above Earth at the end of August.
A mini planetary alignment refers to any three planets roughly aligning in the sky to form a line (though it’s never a perfect line), while a small planetary alignment involves any four planets aligning in a line. This month, on August 28, what we will witness is a large planetary alignment consisting of five or six planets. A grand or full planetary alignment involves seven planets (sometimes including Pluto) forming a magnificent procession in the night sky. In other words, it appears we are about to witness a large planetary alignment.
Some poetically refer to the alignment of planets as a “planetary parade.” The celestial bodies align in a row, leading to such a metaphor, although it is misleading. Contrary to a popular belief, during a planetary alignment or “parade,” the planets do not actually line up like billiard balls in space. Instead, when several planets cluster on one side of the Sun, it can be defined as a planetary alignment.
From Earth’s perspective, this grouping on one side of the Sun often evokes the notion of a planetary “parade.” While these planets do not line up in space like billiard balls, they all more or less orbit the Sun along the same massive plane (the ecliptic).
Therefore, when we gaze up at the night sky, we can trace a vast arc from horizon to horizon, fluctuating from east to west along the ecliptic. The Sun and the Moon seem to be embedded in this giant celestial band in the sky, as do all the planets in the “parade.” When several planets happen to fall on one side of the Sun like beads on a string, we can pick them out one by one along the ecliptic. They may be close or far, tangled or straight, but from Earth’s vantage point, they seem to form a line because they all lie on that vast ecliptic plane.
On August 28, the planets will align in the following order: Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn. Approximately an hour before sunrise, you can spot them with the naked eye, although some planets may require binoculars to be discerned. Uranus and Neptune are the farthest and dimmest, requiring optical aids to see them. Meanwhile, Mercury, furthest to the east, will be near the horizon, with sunrise approaching, potentially being washed out by the glare of the rising sun, so avoid staring at it for too long. All six planets will be clustered within a fan-shaped area of less than 180 degrees. A clear view, a crisp horizon, and minimal light pollution will enhance the enjoyment of witnessing the planetary parade.
Other celestial objects will gather on the outskirts of the procession. Closest will be the new moon northeast of Mars, near Gemini, while Mars itself will appear in Taurus, as will Jupiter and Uranus. Leo will be behind Mercury, Neptune will fall in Pisces, and Saturn will be in Aquarius.
The planetary alignment in late August appears to be a prelude to a larger event on the horizon. In a few months, on February 28, 2025, skywatchers can eagerly anticipate a grand alignment of seven planets: Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn. However, for now, the weather in August seems perfect for quite a splendid planetary parade performance.
So, grab your lawn chair and find a spot before sunrise. In the brilliant star-studded sky, a late summer procession is about to unfold!