Did you see the planet alignment on Monday and Tuesday morning, 18 and 19 August 2025?
If not, you'll have missed the Moon joining Mercury, Venus and Jupiter in a beautiful line in the morning sky.
But the good news is that the planets and the Moon are still there over the coming mornings.
Everyone's talking about the planets again, evoking memories of the amazing planet alignment that was visible in early 2025.
This August 2025 planet alignment is slightly different, but no less spectacular.
Here are six simple tips for the August planet alignment, giving you the key info you need and helping you make the most of it.
Six planets and the Moon grace the pre-dawn sky
On the mornings of 18 and 19 August, you’ll have seen Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, along with the slim crescent Moon, all visible above the horizon.
After these dates, the planets and the Moon are all still visible in the sky, But the Moon is edging closer to the Sun and will be lost by the 23 August.
A reminder: this isn't a nighttime planet alignment, but a morning one.
A line-up in the east and a close pair in the south
Look to the east before sunrise and you'll see Mercury, Venus and Jupiter form an almost straight line, with Uranus appearing higher above the Pleiades star cluster.
Saturn and Neptune are visible too, but they're over in the south.
The Moon joined the parade, but not for long
From 17–19 August, the thin crescent Moon formed a line with Jupiter and Venus, with the Moon above the two planets.
By 20/21 August, the Moon has moved further east, breaking the alignment somewhat, and instead forming a beautiful triangle with Venus and Jupiter.
Mercury emerges just in time, but low on the horizon
Mercury only became visible around 18–19 August as it climbed out of the Sun’s glare.
On this date, it had just passed between Earth and the Sun, and can now be seen rising above the horizon before dawn.
It will be tricky to see, though, so you'll need a very flat, clear eastern horizon to see it.
But 18–19 August are the key dates. The Moon is in the right position, and Mercury is visible.
After these dates, Mercury is marginally easier to see, but the Moon has now moved further east.
Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or telescope
Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury can be seen with the naked eye, as can Uranus under good, dark conditions.
But for this August planet alignment, both Uranus and Neptune will likely require binoculars or a telescope.
However, extreme care must be taken if you're attempting to observe Uranus and Neptune with binoculars or a telescope this close to sunrise.
Accidentally catching a glimpse of the Sun through binoculars or a telescope could seriously damage your eyesight.
You should only observe when the Sun is well below the horizon. If in doubt, don't risk it.
Timing is everything
Two things need to fall into place for you to catch this planet parade.
You need to rise early and get to your observing spot well before sunrise.
You need a clear, eastern horizon, otherwise you won't see Mercury, Venus and Jupiter rise before they're swallowed by the Sun's glare.
And, obviously, the weather needs to hold up! But there's not much we can do about that...
If you manage to see or photograph any of the August planet alignment, get in touch via contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
