Six planets will line up in the evening sky this week — how and where to see them
From Jan. 21, Canadians can spot Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune in a rare planetary alignment shortly after sunset. Best views favour darker, unobstructed western horizons.
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By Torontoer Staff
Starting Jan. 21, Canadians can watch a rare planetary alignment as six planets appear along the same arc in the western sky shortly after sunset, according to NASA. The lineup includes Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, and will be visible for several evenings while skies remain clear.
The event is visible to the naked eye for the four brighter planets, with binoculars or a small telescope needed to pick out Uranus and Neptune. Observers should look about an hour after sunset toward the western horizon.
Where and when to look
NASA recommends checking the sky about an hour after sunset. In Ontario, northern and rural areas will generally offer the best views because of darker skies and less obstructed western horizons. Urban viewers can still see the brighter planets, but tall buildings and light pollution reduce visibility.
Regional visibility varies. Manitoba should be able to see all six planets. Saskatchewan observers will likely spot three of the planets: Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus. Parts of the Prairies and Atlantic Canada may see portions of the alignment depending on cloud cover and local conditions.
Which planets will be visible to the naked eye
Four of the six planets — Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn — are bright enough to be seen without optical aid. Uranus and Neptune are much fainter and will require binoculars or a small telescope to resolve as points of light.
If you can get to a reasonably dark site outside a city, even better if it’s on higher ground, you can see the plane of the solar system with planets spread out in a tilted line toward where the sun has just set. It’s almost like you’re on a spaceship cruising through the solar system.
Raymond Carlberg, emeritus astronomy professor, University of Toronto
Practical viewing tips
- Choose a site with a clear western horizon and as little artificial light as possible.
- Allow about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark before beginning observations.
- Bring binoculars or a small telescope if you want to try for Uranus and Neptune.
- Dress in warm, layered clothing. Temperatures can be very cold under the high pressure system delivering clear skies.
- Avoid locations where buildings, trees or terrain block the horizon.
Smartphone apps can help identify planets in the sky. Point the phone at the horizon and the apps will show what is visible. There are also small smart telescopes that automatically point to objects for you.
The moon will be full on February 1st. The best viewing could be over the next few days while the moon is still only a sliver in the sky.
Anthony Farnell, chief meteorologist, Global News
Weather and sky conditions to watch
Clear skies increase the chance of seeing the alignment, but recent snowfall can make viewing harder by reflecting artificial light back into the night sky. An incoming area of Arctic high pressure will bring widespread clear skies across much of Canada, but also very cold temperatures.
If the weather tonight and over the next few days remains clear, there will be a much greater chance of viewing the planetary parade.
Ross Hull, meteorologist, Global News
Cold winter air can deliver crisper views when skies are clear, but it will limit how long observers can comfortably stay outside. Plan for short observation periods and bring warm footwear and hand protection.
What comes next
The planetary alignment will remain visible for several evenings, giving multiple opportunities to catch the display. NASA notes that on Feb. 8, Mercury will join the parade, extending the lineup to seven visible planets where sky conditions allow.
Alignments involving five or more planets are uncommon. The next extended alignment of five or more planets is not expected until 2040.
Plan ahead: pick a dark location with an unobstructed western horizon, check the local sunset time and the weather forecast, and allow your eyes to adapt. With clear skies and minimal light pollution, this week offers a straightforward chance to see a rare arrangement of our solar system from Canadian skies.
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