Overview
- The phenomenon, known as a 'planetary parade,' occurs when all planets are visible from Earth on the same side of the Sun.
- While the planets are not perfectly aligned, they appear spread across the sky in a broad arc, visible in different directions.
- Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury can be seen with the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or a telescope for observation.
- Optimal viewing conditions depend on clear weather and minimal light pollution, with a free view of the western horizon necessary to spot Mercury and Saturn.
- The event is particularly notable as such a planetary arrangement is rare, occurring approximately once every 20 years.