‘We’re very fortunate’: stargazers to see almost all planets aligned in the night sky at the same time

Stargazers with a telescope will even be able to see Saturn’s rings when the planets align. A rare planetary alignment, also known as a ‘planet parade’, takes place in January 2025. Photograph: BA E Inc./Alamy

Stargazers are being treated to a rare planetary alignment this month, also known as a “planet parade”, with most of the planets visible in the night sky at the same time.

Astrophysicist Dr Rebecca Allen, co-director of Swinburne University’s space technology and industry institute, said it would be a rare opportunity to see so many planets align, especially outer ones such as Neptune.