Though such alignments aren't unheard of, this particular formation was special due to the sheer number of planets visible together.

Within the first hour and a half hour after sunset, you can see four planets without a telescope. Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn will shine beautifully in the evening. While there are clear skies, take advantage of this beautiful view. You can also see the planets more vividly with a telescope or a sky app on your phone.

Astrophotographers will be able to capture Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune tonight. However, Mercury will join the parade later in February. Apart from this, earlier EarthSky astronomer John Goss revealed that Venus,

Venus and Saturn will be in conjunction this weekend, appearing side by side in the night sky during January's post-sunset "planet parade."

The alignment of six planets - Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune - will be visible through to mid-February, with peak visibility around January 29, coinciding with the new moon.

All month, four planets — Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars — will appear to line up and be bright enough to see with the naked eye in the first few hours after dark, according to NASA.

Both Venus and Saturn will be in the Aquarius constellation, the water bearer, during their close approach. To help spot it, viewers should look towards the south in the evening sky, using the bright star Fomalhaut in the nearby Piscis Austrinus constellation as a guide to locate Aquarius.

FOUR planets are visible in the night sky. You will have to battle January clouds, but here is how to find them.

Skywatchers can spot Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in the night sky with the naked eye, but two other planets might need a telescope to be seen.

Stargazers will be treated to a dazzling six-planet "alignment" this January.

Planetary parade’ visible in UK tonight as part of rare event that won’t repeat for 400 years - Celestial spectacle will not be repeated for another 400 years

Planetary alignments aren't rare, but they can be when they involve six of the eight planets in our solar system.