Five Different Planets Will Align In The Northern California Night Sky During An Incredibly Rare Display

Early to bed, early to rise. The latter will take on an even greater significance when this month when a rare five-planet alignment will light the night sky in Northern California. This celestial phenomenon will take place at sunset between March 25 and 30. It is then that you will see Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Uranus, and Mars appear in sequential order alongside the moon. So grab your friends and a pair of binoculars or a telescope to take in the views!

This rare planet parade is a highly anticipated event.

If you want to enjoy stargazing in Northern California, this is definitely going to be a treat!

Most times of the year you can only see a few of the planets in the night sky.

However, between March 25 and 30, every evening right around sunset, you will have the opportunity to take in this celestial phenomenon.

The moon plays a big role in the alignment of the planets year-round.

That’s one of the things that makes stargazing in Northern California (well, really anywhere) so darn fascinating! During this event there will also be an opportunity to spot Saturn by itself just before sunrise at a low spot on the eastern horizon on March 27 and 28 as well.

There's nothing more comforting than to watch Mother Nature do her thing.

In some planetary alignment events, it takes place over an entire month, often making it easier to see one or more planets over another. In this illustration from last year, heavenly gazers were able to see Mercury taking center stage with Venus just up and to the right.

This is a wonderful opportunity to step away from technology with family and friends to just be present with each other.

Some of the alignment will be visible to the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope will give you the best chance of really getting the best views.

Whether you are a novice sky gazer or staunch aficionado, this alignment is a truly rare event, and you don’t want to miss it. Just step outside, look towards the heavens, and enjoy the show!

Did you head out at sunset to take in this rare five-planet alignment display? If so, what did you see? Was the site as spectacular as we said? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below.

If you’re in the Northern California area and interested in more formal star and planet gazing opportunities, we suggest going to the Lick Observatory in San Jose.

Just want to be out and about? Then read about this one Northern California town that has more outdoor attractions than any other place in the state.

Another wonderful place to enjoy the night sky is in Big Sur. Check out this video to learn more: