Look up, Toronto! A breathtaking celestial display will soon be visible in the sky, and you won’t want to miss your chance to see the solar system put on a show.
From late January through February, a rare planetary parade will be unfolding right above our heads as several planets align in a stunning evening procession. It’s a literal once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to see them form in a single arc across the Toronto skyline.
The magic begins this week, but you’ll want to mark two specific windows on your calendar to ensure you get the best view of the alignment: on January 21 and 22 from 6 – 7:30 p.m., be sure to look just after sunset to to spot Jupiter and Saturn shining brightly. If you have a pair of binoculars handy, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of the more elusive Uranus and Neptune.
Then, the main event occurs next month from February 25 to 28, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will all be visible along the same celestial arc.
The best part is that you don’t need a high-tech telescope to join in on the fun. Most of these planets, especially the brilliant Jupiter and Venus, are visible to the naked eye, making this a perfect and free activity for stargazers of all ages.
For the clearest view, you’ll want to head away from the bright lights of the downtown core. The Toronto lakefront offers some of the best unobstructed views of the west and southwest horizons. Just be sure to bundle up and look toward the horizon shortly after the sun dips below the skyline.