The Ultimate Guide to the 2025 Planetary Parade
February 11, 2025
In early 2025, skywatchers will witness a rare astronomical event: a planetary parade. This phenomenon occurs when multiple planets in our Solar System appear “parading” across the night sky in a beautiful lineup. This is a fantastic opportunity for planetary observers and imagers to see all the visible planets in one evening.
Most of these planets will be visible to the naked eye or with modest binoculars or a small telescope. Uranus and Neptune will require a larger telescope to discern—more on that later. The parade stretches from mid-January to early March 2025, with the best viewing times occurring near or just after sunset.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this extraordinary event.
What is a Planetary Parade?
A planetary parade occurs when planets appear to span across the sky along the ecliptic plane, as seen from Earth. While the planets seem to form a roughly straight line from our perspective, they remain widely spaced in the Solar System.
How to See the 2025 Planetary Parade
The parade unfolds over 48 days, offering plenty of chances to track the planets' shifting positions. The following celestial bodies will be visible, stretching from east to west: Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, the Moon, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, and Mercury.
The Moon will pass close to each planet throughout the event, making for spectacular conjunctions. Keep an eye out for these notable pairings:
- The Moon & Saturn – January 31
- The Moon & Venus – February 1
- The Moon & Jupiter – February 6
- The Moon & Mars – February 9
- The Moon & Venus (again!) – March 1
- The Moon & Mars (again!) – March 8
Other Key Events During the Parade
- February 24: Mercury and Saturn appear to “switch positions” in the sky, making Mercury easier to see as Saturn sinks toward the horizon.
- February 28: Mercury and Saturn will conjunct the New Moon above the western horizon at sunset. Remember, viewing planets near the Sun can be dangerous. Make sure you wait until the Sun is completely below the horizon before you attempt to view this conjunction. This event is best left to experienced observers.
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Image created with Celestron SkyPortal Powered by SkySafari™
The Best Telescopes & Gear for the Planetary Parade
With just your naked eye, you can spot the brightest planets in this spectacular show, like Venus and Jupiter. However, adding an optical aid will significantly enhance your experience. Even binoculars or a small telescope will reveal details like Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings. More distant planets aren’t visible to the naked eye. If you want to pick out the aqua and blue dots of Uranus and Neptune, you’ll need a larger telescope with at least 8” of aperture.
Check out our top telescope and binocular recommendations for the planetary parade.
Tips to Observe the 2025 Planetary Parade
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Location, Location, Location:
You don’t need to travel to a remote dark-sky site to see this show! Most planets are visible from the city. But you should choose a wide, open observing site with a clear view of the horizon. Steer clear of streetlights and buildings. If you want to find the fainter outer Solar System planets, you may want to travel to avoid excessive light pollution. But if your backyard is your only option, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the parade! -
Use Astronomy Apps Star Charts:
Track planetary positions using a traditional star chart or Celestron’s SkyPortal app, powered by SkySafari™, available with any Celestron telescope purchase. This robust app will provide real-time maps, rise and set times, and helpful tips for each night. -
Prep Your Telescope:
If using a telescope, allow it to acclimate to outdoor temperatures for about 30 minutes to prevent image distortion. Check your Newtonian or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope’s collimation for the sharpest planetary views. Start with low magnification to find the planets, then step up to high power for a closer look. -
Use Filters for Planetary Detail:
Planetary filters enhance features like Jupiter’s cloud bands, Mars’ ice caps, and Saturn’s rings by increasing contrast and reducing glare. Experiment with different filters to bring out the best details.
Explore Each Planet Individually
Before you head out or while under the night sky, take a moment to learn what makes each planet unique. From Jupiter’s Great Red Spot to Venus' scorching surface temperatures, understanding the planets’ distinct characteristics adds to the magic of seeing them in real-time.
Check out our planet observing guides to learn more about each world in the parade!
Don’t Miss This Rare Astronomical Event!
The 2025 Planetary Parade offers a once-in-a-generation chance to see nearly all of our Solar System’s planets in a single night. Whether you’re a casual stargazer or a seasoned astronomer, this celestial event is not to be missed.
Start planning your observations now, and be sure to share your images and experiences with us! Tag @celestronuniverse on Instagram so we can feature your captures.
Clear skies!
