This month, many countries around the world will witness a rare astronomical event known as planetary alignment or the planetary parade.

Six planets—Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will appear to align in the evening sky from January 21 until mid-February. While not in a perfectly straight line, they will be positioned closely on one side of the Sun, creating the illusion of alignment.

Prof. Michael Backers, a lecturer in the Physics Department at the University of Namibia (UNAM), explains that this phenomenon occurs because planets follow a path known as the ecliptic.

“All the planets that we can’t see without telescopes will also seem aligned along this invisible line called the ecliptic. This is why it looks like they are doing a parade in the sky,” he says.

Namibia is among the locations where this event will be visible.

“When the sun sets and the sky is clear, we can see Venus and Saturn shining brightly in the west. Venus, often called the evening star, is especially bright, with Saturn appearing close to it,” he explains.

Jupiter will be seen halfway up the sky, near the Taurus constellation, while Mars will be visible in the northeast.

“In addition to these visible planets, Neptune and Uranus will also be present, but they require binoculars or a telescope to see. Mercury, which is usually visible to the naked eye, won’t be part of this alignment as it is currently setting before the sun,” he adds.

The alignment will be most visible around 7 PM each evening until mid-February.

“We are currently in a phase where we can see four planets with the naked eye, plus Neptune and Uranus. Next month, Mercury will also be visible in the early evening, making it possible to see five planets at once.”

Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective eyewear to prevent damage, Prof. Backers reassures that observing planetary alignments poses no harm to the eyes.

This rare event is expected to occur again on September 8, 2040.