The night sky is about to put on a dazzling show, and skywatchers across the world have a reason to look up this weekend. From September 6 to 8, 2025, three of the brightest planets in our solar system Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn — will shine together in the pre-dawn eastern sky in a rare celestial lineup known as a planetary parade. This cosmic event is one of the year’s highlights, and if you miss it, you’ll have to wait until October 2028 to see these planets align again.
What Is a Planetary Parade?
A planetary parade happens when multiple planets appear close together in the same section of the sky. While they aren’t literally lined up in space, from Earth’s perspective they look like they’re gathering in a neat formation. These events are relatively rare, and they give stargazers a chance to see several bright worlds all at once without the need for telescopes.
During this weekend’s parade, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will form a striking diagonal line in the eastern sky just before sunrise. The lineup is easy to spot with the naked eye, even from cities with moderate light pollution.
How to Spot Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn:
If you step outside in the early morning hours, here’s what to expect:
Venus will be the brightest of the three, shining low on the eastern horizon. Known as the “morning star,” it will be impossible to miss.
Jupiter will appear higher above Venus, glowing a bright white-yellow light. It will be the second brightest object in the parade.
Saturn will sit above both Venus and Jupiter, slightly dimmer but glowing with a steady golden hue.
Together, they’ll form a beautiful “staircase” pattern in the sky, rising diagonally upward. To see the planets best, head outside about an hour before sunrise, find a clear view of the eastern horizon, and look up.
A Weekend of Cosmic Wonders
What makes this weekend even more special is that it coincides with another sky event a total lunar eclipse, also called a “Blood Moon.” On the night of September 7–8, the Moon will pass through Earth’s shadow and turn a deep red color for more than 80 minutes. While the planets and the eclipse won’t be visible at the exact same moment, the fact that both happen within the same weekend makes this a truly rare cosmic double feature.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Events like this don’t come around often. The next time Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn shine together in a similar way won’t be until October 22, 2028. That’s three years away, which means this is your chance to witness something truly memorable.
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just someone who enjoys looking at the night sky, this planetary parade is a reminder of the beauty of the universe above us. All you need are your eyes, a clear horizon, and a few quiet moments before sunrise.
Mark your calendars for September 6–8, 2025, and set your alarms early. Step outside before dawn, look east, and take in the breathtaking sight of Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn shining together. Add the Blood Moon eclipse into the mix, and this weekend becomes one of the most unforgettable skywatching opportunities of the year.
Don’t miss it because after this, the sky won’t bring these three planets together again until 2028.