Rare planetary alignment: A celestial spectacle for Hawke’s Bay stargazers

• A rare celestial event is lighting up Hawke’s Bay with six planets aligning in the night sky.
• Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are visible to the naked eye; Uranus and Neptune require a telescope.
• The Hawke’s Bay Holt Planetarium is offering guidance, hosting Sunday observation sessions from 7pm to 9pm.

A rare celestial event is lighting up the skies over Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand, with six planets aligning in a stunning display.

Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune require a telescope for viewing. The phenomenon is captivating stargazers across the world.

A horizon view of the night sky on January, 25, a week ago. Photo / Stellarium and EarthSky

The planet parade, when several of the solar system’s planets are visible in the night sky at the same time, is under way and will continue into early February, with the best viewing time just after sunset.

From his home in Havelock North, Andre Cruz has been observing the planets with his wife Samara Cruz, and their children Joao, 15, and Maria, 10.

“I have always enjoyed stargazing. I like to bring my kids outside and teach them about the planets and stars,” he said.

Andre Cruz (right) with his wife Samara Cruz and their children, Joao, 15, and Maria, 10, are enjoying the rare planetary alignment from their home in Havelock North.

Cruz said he has been able to spot the planets and, so far, the best days were Monday and Tuesday.

“Venus is the brightest one in the early evening sky. If you look in the same direction as the sunset, you will see it. Right above is Saturn,” he says.

Cruz has also spotted Venus, Jupiter, and Mars.

“They are opposite the sunset and Mars has a reddish colour,” he says.

To help locate all the planets and stars, Cruz uses an app called SkyView Lite.

A glimpse of the planets from Havelock North, as captured by Andre Cruz.

For those eager to witness the rare alignment, the Hawke’s Bay Holt Planetarium in Napier is also offering guidance, hosting Sunday observation sessions from 7pm to 9pm.

Planetarium director Bruce Ngataierua recommends heading to spots with minimal light pollution, such as Te Mata Peak or Waimārama Beach.

“Anywhere just outside the city away from street lights, so you get a dark sky view,” Ngataierua said.

“Get out and find a great spot to view the night sky without light pollution. If you have telescopes definitely use them. Come to the planetarium and see where to look.”