From August 17 to August 20, a stunning celestial event will unfold as six planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—gather in the eastern sky just before sunrise. This planetary parade, while not an alignment, creates a breathtaking sight, especially for early risers.
The gathering starts on August 17 when Mercury makes its entrance, joining the five planets that have been visible for weeks. Under clear skies, you should easily spot Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. While Uranus and Neptune are elusive and require a telescope to see, the trio of brighter planets offers a spectacular view.
Excitingly, the waning crescent moon will add to this cosmic display. On August 17 and 18, the crescent moon will rise just above Jupiter and Venus. After their close conjunction on August 12, these two planets will begin to drift apart, creating a visually stunning scene in the dawn sky.
Mark your calendars for August 19 and 20, when the moon’s slim crescent will be especially close to Jupiter and Venus, offering a perfect photo opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts.
According to the Star Walk app, this won’t be the last chance to see such a gathering. Two additional six-planet parades are expected in 2026—one after sunset in February and another before dawn in August.
In a study by the National Science Foundation, a significant rise in interest in astronomy was found during the pandemic, with many people turning to the night sky for solace. This planetary parade is likely to rekindle that curiosity in both seasoned stargazers and newcomers alike.
So, grab a friend, head outdoors, and enjoy this magical celestial event while you can!
