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A rare celestial event will light up the early morning sky this spring. On April 17, 2025, four planets—Venus, Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune—will appear to align in a phenomenon often referred to as a planetary alignment or planet parade.
While it's not the largest planetary gathering this decade, the sight promises to captivate sky watchers across the globe.
In Türkiye, the event will be best seen shortly before sunrise, especially in areas with low light pollution and a clear view of the eastern horizon.
A planetary alignment occurs when multiple planets appear grouped in a small sector of the sky from our vantage point on Earth.
On April 17, the planets Venus, Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune will align in the constellation Pisces.
This event is classified as a small planetary alignment, meaning it includes four planets. These types of alignments are relatively rare and last only a few days, with April 17 being the most optimal date to catch them grouped in a narrow sky sector.
While the alignment will be more prominent in the Southern Hemisphere, viewers in Türkiye will still be able to enjoy the spectacle, particularly from areas with clear, dark skies and an unobstructed view to the east.
Here are some of the best stargazing locations in Türkiye to watch the alignment:
In cities like Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir, the visibility of the alignment will be limited because of light pollution and low-altitude planets. However, elevated areas with a clear view of the eastern sky, such as Camlica Hill in Istanbul, can still offer a partial glimpse, especially of Venus.
Observers in Türkiye and beyond don't need specialized gear to enjoy this event, only a clear view and an early alarm. The alignment will be visible about one hour before sunrise, so the key is to be prepared and positioned in advance.
Venus will be your easiest reference point—its unmatched brightness will help you locate the general area of the alignment. From there, trace downward toward the horizon to find Saturn and Mercury. Neptune will be very close to Mercury, but not visible without optical aid.
Throughout history, unusual planetary groupings have sparked fear, speculation, and imaginative theories. But while these events are visually impressive, they have no mystical or destructive power. Here are three of the most common myths debunked by science:
Rather than fearing them, planetary alignments are best enjoyed for what they truly are: rare and beautiful reminders of our place in the solar system.
If you miss April's planetary alignment, there's another opportunity coming later this year.
On August 10, 2025, a much larger planetary alignment featuring six planets - Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn - will grace the early morning sky. That one is expected to be even more striking and visible from more locations, including Türkiye.
Planetary alignments are recurring but unique events. Each one offers a distinct combination of planets, viewing conditions, and timing. By witnessing them, observers not only enjoy a rare sight but also connect with a long tradition of sky watching shared by cultures around the world.
Witnessing the planetary parade of April 17 can be an unforgettable addition to your trip if you're an expat or tourist visiting Türkiye during this time. So, here are some tips to make sure you make the most out of it.
In the end, the best tool you'll need is curiosity. With little more than your eyes and a quiet place to watch the sky, you'll be part of a global audience looking up on the same morning, watching four worlds briefly line up in a fleeting cosmic dance.
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