What’s Happening in the Sky?

From August 10 through around August 20, early risers can catch Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune forming a graceful arc across the morning sky, about an hour before sunrise.

• Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will glow brightly enough to be seen with the naked eye.

• Uranus and Neptune, being dimmer and farther, require binoculars or a small telescope to spot.

• This is the final planetary parade of 2025, with the next similar alignment expected in February 2026.

• A waning crescent Moon will add extra visual flair—especially around August 17–20, when it drifts near Jupiter and Venus.

When & Where to Look

• Best times: Start looking about an hour before sunrise, especially between August 17–20 when moonlight is minimal.

• Ideal viewing conditions: Choose a location with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the eastern horizon.

• Northern Hemisphere view: Neptune and Saturn will appear in the southwest, Uranus to the southeast, and Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury ascending in the east.

How to Cast Your Gaze (and Camera)

• Eyes alone: Fine for Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn.

• Need optics: Use binoculars or a beginner-friendly telescope to marvel at faint Uranus and Neptune.

• Photography tip: Use a tripod, long exposure, and keep your lens wide to capture the planets and delicate morning light.

Why It Matters

This celestial lineup—known as a planetary parade—is less about perfect cosmic geometry and more about our vantage from Earth. The planets appear in a curved line as they trail along the ecliptic in our morning sky.

Such multi‑planet alignments are fairly uncommon. Seeing six planets at once is a special treat—a cosmic concert that's unlikely to repeat until next year.