Missed June 3 Parade Of Planets? Here’s When You Can See Planetary Alignment Again

June 3rd saw a unique planetary alignment before sunrise. Referred to as the Parade of Planets 2024, this rare celestial event was marked by the alignment of six planets i.e. Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune before dawn for a spectacular show. In case you missed it, just relax as there will be another opportunity for you all to enjoy the view soon.

A report by Today.com suggested that the next planetary alignment is scheduled for August 28. Interestingly, the alignment will involve the same six planets. Not only this but three similar events are reportedly being anticipated in 2025. While the first event will be witnessed on January 18, it will be there for everyone to experience on February 28 again. As for the third alignment, it is scheduled for August 9 next year. Unlike the recent alignments, the second and third occurrences next year will collectively feature seven prominent planets which include Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Now, the question arises – what is Planetary alignment? Simply put, the celestial event marks the rare positioning of planets within the solar system. An illusion is created with planets seemingly aligned in a straight line. What needs to be noted here is that it is not an actual event but a case of an optical illusion. NASA once informed that the planetary alignment occurs when two or more planets come close together, forming a conjunction in the sky.

Speaking of today’s rare alignment, NASA had earlier suggested that it wouldn’t offer much of a view. Further, Ronald Gamble, a theoretical astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said, “The sun’s going to be photobombing the parade.”

For those waiting for the next parade of planets, it has been recommended by NASA to witness the alignment ‘exactly one hour before sunrise’, based on their local time. The bright light is expected to make it challenging for those trying to observe all the planets with the naked eye. However, the Moon, Mars, and Saturn will be visible in the sky.