The Parade of planets on August 19, 2025: how and when to see the star show
On the morning of August 19, Earth's inhabitants will be able to observe a rare astronomical phenomenon — a parade of planets. Six celestial bodies will be visible in the eastern sky at once: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, and a thin crescent Moon will appear next to it. The best time to observe is an hour before sunrise. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.
What is a parade of planets and why is this event of interest?
A parade of planets is an astronomical event when several planets of the Solar system line up in a narrow sector of the firmament and become visible almost simultaneously. On the night of August 18-19, 2025, residents of Russia and European countries will be able to watch a rare parade of six planets — Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
The gas giants, inner and outer planets are gathering "in one chain", opening up an exciting picture for both beginners and experienced astronomers to observe.
Which planets will take part in the parade of planets
In August 2025, the parade will cover Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Venus and Jupiter will be the brightest — they can be seen with the naked eye even in an urban environment. Saturn and Mercury are also distinguishable in the absence of dense clouds, but will appear closer to the horizon. Uranus and Neptune will be accessible to most observers only with binoculars or a small telescope.
A thin crescent moon will join the astros event, which will add additional entertainment to the observations. Of particular interest is the convergence of Venus and Jupiter, which are visible almost side by side in one part of the sky.
When and where is the best place to watch the parade of planets
The best time to observe is about an hour before dawn on August 19 (from 04:00 to 05:00 Moscow time). The eastern horizon should be open so that all six planets are in view. Astronomers recommend removing the artificial light source — the urban background interferes, so it's better to observe from suburban or rural locations.
Therefore, for a bright and full effect, you should choose locations away from city lights — suburban areas, fields or hills outside the city limits. The brightest participants of the parade can also be seen in the city, but the dark sky guarantees an ideal view.
Also, check the weather forecast in advance — clear skies are a must for successful observation. And the best place is in a straight line with the eastern horizon, where neither buildings nor trees interfere with the view.
Why is August 19th a special day for observing the parade of planets?
The morning of August 19 is almost the culmination of the parade — in the overall picture of the sky, Mercury will move away from the Sun enough to become better distinguishable, and the Moon will enhance the impression of the picture by appearing next to bright Venus and Jupiter.
This is the most noticeable such phenomenon this year, the next such parade of the Solar System will be repeated no earlier than 2026.
The parade of planets is not only a spectacle for romantics, but also a unique opportunity for amateur astronomers to observe the dynamics of planetary motion, capture the most beautiful images of the night sky and popularize astronomy among a wide range of people.
The parade of planets on August 19, 2025 promises to be the main space spectacle of the summer and will surely attract thousands of observers.
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