Moon joins the planet parade with stunning celestial sights this weekend
- Skywatchers in the U.S. will see a planet parade featuring Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn in the pre-dawn sky this week.
- The waning gibbous moon will transition through the planets and come close to the Pleiades star cluster.
- This event marks the last significant planet parade until 2028, making it a rare opportunity for observation.
In the United States, skywatchers are currently witnessing a celestial event known as a 'planet parade' occurring in the pre-dawn sky. This event features notable planets such as Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, which are easily visible to the naked eye. The phenomenon has garnered attention as it coincided with a recent total lunar eclipse known as the 'blood moon,' enhancing the anticipation for enthusiasts. The moon is in a waning gibbous phase and will gradually move through the visible planetary lineup until it transitions to a crescent. During this exciting week, skywatchers are encouraged to look southwest before sunrise on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, to see a nearly fully lit moon positioned just above Saturn's location. As the week progresses, sightings of the moon alongside the Pleiades star cluster are being highlighted, which will occur on Friday, September 12, and Saturday, September 13. The moon will display a 73% illumination near the Pleiades on Friday and a 62% illumination the following morning, creating a picturesque backdrop for stargazers. This weekend offers the perfect opportunity for amateurs and enthusiasts alike to partake in this astronomical spectacle, where they can appreciate the alignment of celestial bodies. The event is particularly special as it is the last noticeable 'planet parade' until 2028, making this a unique moment for those interested in astronomy. Additionally, the Epsilon Perseid meteor shower is set to peak in the early hours of September 9, which enhances the starry canvas and contributes to the overall excitement surrounding this weekend. As the planet parade occurs, viewers will notice Venus shining brightly in the eastern sky and Jupiter slightly southeast, while Saturn resides in the southwest. Enthusiasts are reminded that while Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn can be seen without any equipment, Neptune and Uranus will require a telescope for observance. With captivating celestial bodies in close proximity and the waning moon moving gracefully through the night, this week serves as an exceptional opportunity for stargazers and those interested in celestial events.