Planet parade is when 4 or more bright planets align in the sky and become visible in the night sky from Earth!
Instragram / @mattmakenstv
A rare celestial event, Planet Parade, is lighting up the night sky, and it's the perfect opportunity for families to marvel at the wonders of the universe together.
What is a Planet Parade?
A "planet parade" is not a scientific term but rather a popular way to describe the phenomenon when four or more bright planets align in the sky and become visible from Earth at the same time. This January, six planets will take centre stage in the night sky: Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus. It's a rare sight that stargazers won't want to miss! The planets will be visible in the night sky until 20 February, offering ample time to catch a glimpse of this cosmic display.
How to View the Planet Parade
Four of the six planets—Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars—can be seen with the naked eye. However, to observe Neptune and Uranus, you'll need a telescope and a clear, dark sky. While the planets should be visible from anywhere in Singapore under clear skies, some of the best spots for unobstructed views include Marina Barrage, East Coast Park, and The Southern Ridges, which offer panoramic views of the skyline to enhance the stargazing experience.
When is the Next Planet Parade?
If you miss this one, the next "planet parade" will take place in late January 2036, featuring Saturn, Uranus, Jupiter, Mars, Neptune, and Venus stretching across the sky from east to west. Did you know that whenever multiple planets are visible at once, they always appear along an imaginary line in the sky? This line, known as the ecliptic, represents the plane in which all the planets orbit around the Sun.
Viewing Opportunities at the Science Centre Observatory
While the Science Centre Observatory (SCOB) will not be hosting a dedicated viewing session for this phenomenon, families can still catch the planets during scheduled events such as Public Stargazing and Digital Planetarium live shows on 24 and 31 January, and the Stargazer Experience on 7 February.
Tickets for these events can be purchased here.
Don't miss this fantastic chance to introduce your little ones to the wonders of astronomy and create lasting family memories under the stars!
*Info from The Observatory at Science Centre Singapore
