If you love waking up early for a little stargazing, August has something special in store. A planet parade will stretch across the morning sky throughout the month, bringing several planets together before sunrise.
Mars, Uranus, Saturn, and Neptune will be visible for several hours before dawn. You’ll need a telescope or strong binoculars to spot the more distant Uranus and Neptune.
Then, about an hour before sunrise, Mercury and Jupiter will join the celestial lineup near the eastern horizon.
Look for the Moon and Saturn on August 4
There’s an extra reason to step outside on August 4. The Moon and Saturn will appear close together in the sky.
The pair will be visible soon after twilight. Look up in the morning sky to spot the two celestial objects traveling near each other.
A striking planet alignment returns August 8–11
Another beautiful sight arrives just before sunrise from August 8 through 11. During these mornings, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, and the Moon will appear in a diagonal line above the eastern horizon.
The lineup is more than just a pretty sight. It offers a visual representation of the ecliptic, the imaginary path that traces the plane in which the planets orbit the Sun.
How to see the planet parade in L.A.
You don’t need to travel far from the city to enjoy the show. Find a spot with a wide, unobstructed view of the eastern horizon.
Try to get outside well before sunrise. This gives you time to spot the planets before the sky becomes too bright.
For the best views, choose a location with minimal light pollution. A clear morning will also make a big difference.
If you have binoculars or a telescope, bring them along. They’ll help you spot Uranus and Neptune, which are too faint to easily see without optical equipment.
Whether you’re a serious stargazer or simply curious about the cosmos, August is a great month to look up. Set your alarm, grab some coffee, and head outside before sunrise for a celestial show over L.A.
