Six-Planet Parade Aligns Across US Skies August 19

A rare celestial event known as a 'planet parade' or planetary alignment will occur in mid-August, featuring six planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—visible in a broad arc across the eastern pre-dawn sky. Four of these planets can be seen with the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or a telescope. The event coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, offering skywatchers additional spectacular sights. This planetary alignment is a perspective effect caused by Earth's rotation and is a normal, recurring astronomical phenomenon without any physical impact on Earth. For optimal viewing, observers should find a dark location with a clear view of the eastern horizon shortly before sunrise, with Venus and Jupiter shining brightest. The alignment is part of a broader pattern of multiple planets being visible simultaneously at various times, and next year will also feature notable conjunctions of planets.