2025 will be a fascinating year for astronomy and space exploration enthusiasts, with several unmissable events on the calendar.
Wisconsinites have a few more weeks to observe the "planet parade" that will be lighting up the night sky until the end of the month.
Planets always appear along a line known as the ecliptic, so the alignment of multiple planets isn't necessarily special, according to NASA. What's unique is seeing four or five bright planets at once, which doesn't happen annually. During the planet parade, six planets will align, with four of them easily visible to the naked eye.
Here's what to know about the January planet parade.
Which planets will be in alignment during the parade?
Six planets will be in alignment during the planet parade: Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn.
In the first couple of hours after dark, Venus and Saturn will be in the southwest, Jupiter high overhead and Mars in the east, according to NASA. Mars is in opposition through the entire month of January, meaning it will be directly opposite the Sun from Earth and will shine brightly all night.
Uranus and Neptune won't appear as brightly, so you'll need a telescope or high-powered binoculars to spot them.
Though Venus and Saturn already had their close approach, or "conjunction," last week, they will still be visible through the end of the month.
How to view the planet parade
To view the planet parade, you should find a place with a clear view of the horizon that is far from light pollution, according to StarWalk, an astronomy app.
You should set up to view about an hour before sunset, and the planets will be observable for a few hours after dark.
Best places to view celestial events in Wisconsin
For any celestial event, the best viewing conditions will be clear night skies without clouds or haze. Here's a list of places in Wisconsin that could offer some of the best views of the night sky: