Astronomy

What is January's ‘parade of planets,' and what does it mean for your sign?

The night sky has a treat in store for you.

An alignment of six planets will dazzle in January 2025.

Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will align in the night sky. "The whole month of January is a great time to see the planets," EarthSky astronomer John Goss shared in a video on the platform.

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Here's what the planetary alignment is, and what it means for your zodiac sign.

What is the parade of planets?

"A parade of planets, also sometimes referred to as a planetary alignment, is when several planets in our solar system appear to line up in the sky from our perspective here on Earth," John Conafay, CEO of Integrate Space, tells TODAY.com.

This occurs when the planets' positions in their elliptical orbit around the sun line make them seem like they are close in the sky.

"It’s happening because of the specific orbital speeds and paths of the planets around the sun," Conafay says.

When will January’s parade of planets take place?

The alignment will be visible for the entire month of January, according to NASA.

Conafay says the specific timing and how long it will last will vary based on where you’re located. You can use online tools like Time and Date’s to discover what planets will be visible near you.

How can I see the parade of planets?

Conafay says to see the planets, you simply need a view of the sky after sunset. But not all of them are visible to the naked eye.

  • Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will be bright enough to see without equipment in the evening sky all month.
  • Neptune and Uranus are trickier. Uranus will require binoculars and Neptune will require a telescope, per EarthSky.

How can I tell if I'm looking at a planet or a star?

There are a few distinctions. The first is a matter of light, Conafay says.

"Planets look more like a steady light, while stars often twinkle because their light is affected by Earth’s atmosphere," Conafay says.

Another is movement. Planets will move relative to the stars over days or weeks, but stars will stay in the same fixed patterns relative to each other, Conafay explains.

Finally, planets can take on different colors — Mars looks reddish, and Venus is more bright and white.

What are the astrological effects of the parade of planets?

Astrologically speaking, this is a time to open our hearts. The astrology of Jan. 21 brings the last quarter moon in Scorpio and the planetary conjunction of the sun and Pluto in Aquarius. January 21 is a time of release and letting go.

On Jan. 25, the waning crescent moon in Sagittarius shines, while Venus in Pisces and Mars retrograde in Cancer connect, urging us to be brave when it comes to love.

How will the parade of planets impact your sign?

Aries 

Celebrate the friendships that mean the world to you. It will remind you about who and what is indispensable so you never take them for granted. Plus, it’ll give you a reason to throw a party and have fun. A win-win for all! 

Taurus 

Instead of wanting to take the lead at work, lean into teamwork. You are a natural leader but the moment calls for collaboration. Be mindful of how you approach your colleagues.

Gemini 

Your Mercurial mind wants to dive deeply into spiritual practices right now. Learning about topics like astrology or tarot may prompt you to change your standpoint on pre-existing beliefs about yourself.

Cancer 

You’re more powerful than you know. You have the potential to turn your emotions into art. This could lead to a series of paintings or a book that lets you fully express yourself. It’ll be satisfying to release your emotions and allow others to see the “real” you.

Leo

You will soon awaken from the illusion that you need to give yourself away to please others. You have to maintain your sense of individuality.

Virgo 

The cosmos is urging you to be less rigid. Stop preparing for every possible scenario to happen and be present. The less energy you give to mundane tasks, the easier it’ll be to focus on the here and now. You can’t control what happens, but you can control your reaction.

Libra 

A spark of creativity could lead to tremendous advances in your passionate pursuits. Take long showers or long walks. Cultivate the mood you need to be creative. 

Scorpio 

You're hardly an oversharer, Scorpio. You like to keep your secrets. But that can lead to a facade of coldness that isn't at all accurate. Since you crave intimacy, try opening up a bit.

Sagittarius 

A hunch might have wisdom for you. Rather than rationalize your sentiments like usual, take note of your intuition. Even if it’s not 100% accurate, chances are that it will lead you down the right path.

Capricorn 

You'll be challenged by what you consider to be necessary and important. What tops your list could fall at the bottom of someone else’s, creating tension and conflict. Stay true to what you value, and don’t give in just because it doesn’t align with others' perspectives. 

Aquarius 

Change isn’t easy for anyone, not just you. However, it’s easier if you surrender to the universe at this time. Not only will you reap the benefits of personal evolution, but the growing pains will lessen, offering you the opportunity to transcend with ease.

Pisces 

Subconscious discoveries will be made, allowing you to understand your actions better. You know why you behave, but it’s up to you to find ways to change your ways. The path toward healing might take time, so prepare yourself to work hard to mend these wounds.

Disclaimer: Astrology is not based in science. These posts are not intended to act as a directive.

This article first appeared on TODAY.com. Read more from TODAY here:

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