Are you preparing to see the planet alignment this Monday and Tuesday morning, 18 and 19 August 2025?
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 see Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, along with the slim crescent Moon, all visible above the horizon.
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, Jupiter and the Moon 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 joins the parade, but not for long
From 17–19 August, the thin crescent Moon forms a line with Jupiter and Venus, with the Moon above the two planets.
By 20/21 August, the Moon will have 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 becomes visible around 18–19 August as it climbs out of the Sun’s glare.
On this date, it has just passed between Earth and the Sun, so can be seen rising above the horizon before the Sun.
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
