How to see the rare planetary alignment tonight in Arizona

So far this year, Arizona skywatchers have marveled at sights like the year’s smallest full moon and a stunning plume from a SpaceX rocket launch.

Next up: A rare “planetary parade” of seven planets on Friday night that’s occuring tonight.

Just after sunset on Friday, seven planets — including Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn — will be aligned into a loose arc in the western sky. Most of the plants will be visible to the naked eye, but you’ll need binoculars to see Neptune and Uranus.

What time is the planet alignment tonight? Here’s how to see the parade of planets tonight in Arizona.

What is a planetary parade?

A planetary parade is a rare astronomical event where multiple planets align in the skies. The phenomenon occurs when two or more planets form a line, creating a stunning celestial display.

How rare is a planetary parade?

It depends on the number of planets involved. Alignments of two or three planets are relatively common, occurring multiple times each year. A parade of four or five planets happens about once every one to two years. The rarest is a "grand alignment," which only happens every 100 to 200 years.

When is the next planetary alignment?

A planetary alignment won't occur again until 2028, according to Starwalk.

How many planets are aligning tonight?

Seven planets — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — currently make up the planetary parade.

What time is planetary alignment tonight?

You’ll want to look approximately 45 minutes to an hour after sunset.

What direction to see planet alignment?

The planetary parade will be located in the western sky.

What planets are visible tonight?

Here’s when each planet can be seen, according to Sky at Night Magazine:

• Mars is one of the brightest and most visible planets in the sky. Look to the east.
• Saturn will be located very low in the western sky after sunset. It sets at approximately 7:30 p.m.
• Neptune is located near the constellation Pisces and requires binoculars or a telescope to see. It sets at approximately 8:40 p.m.
• Venus will be visible in the western sky following sunset and will set at approximately 8:30 p.m.
• You’ll also need binoculars or a telescope for Uranus, which sets at approximately 1:35 a.m. in the west.
• Jupiter is visible near the constellation Taurus in the eastern sky. It sets at approximately 3 a.m.

Do you need a telescope or binoculars to see the planetary alignment?

Only to see distant planets like Uranus or Neptune. Other planets will be visible to the naked eye.

Is there a skywatching app to spot planets?

Duh. There’s an app for everything these days, including skywatching and stargazing. We personally recommend Star Walk 2 on iOS and Android, which will help you locate any planet, whether aligned or not.

Why is Mars so bright right now?

Because the Red Planet is at opposition right now, according to Astronomy Magazine. In layman's terms, it's currently located directly opposite the Sun with the Earth positioned in between. Mars is also at its closest point to Earth at the moment, causing it to appear larger and brighter in the sky than usual.