Skywatchers eagerly witness a phenomenon called the Planetary Parade. It is an astronomical phenomenon where several planets align in a single line as they orbit around the Sun.
This year, six planets in the solar system will line up. The planets include Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Uranus and Neptune.
Except for Uranus and Neptune, all of them can be seen in the sky with the naked eye. Uranus and Neptune will be visible with a telescope.
How does a planetary parade take place?
All the planets in the solar system revolve around the Sun in an orbit. Each planet moves at a different speed.
However, they do align in a line at some point during the revolution. Such a phenomenon is called a planet parade, as when we see the planets from Earth, they appear as if they are in a line.
This is a common astronomical phenomenon, but a rare occurrence when six planets can be seen in a row.
when will it be?
Many planets can be seen in the sky during January and February.
Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn can be seen together with the naked eye, while Neptune and Uranus are visible only with binoculars or a telescope.
By the end of February, Mercury will appear with six other planets, making it a rare seven-plane alignment in the sky.
According to the BBC, this rare celestial alignment is not expected until 2040.
Can you watch Planet Parade in India?
This planetary parade can be seen from January 21 to January 31. It was best visible on Saturday evening, January 25. Planet Parade can be seen in many cities across India.
Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha has made arrangements to view the astronomical phenomenon. Visitors can witness the rare phenomenon from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm on Monday, an official told PTI.
