Because planets always appear in a line, the alignment isn't anything out of the norm. What's less common is seeing so many bright planets at once.

Have you heard of the “planetary parade” that’s happening in the night skies? For much of January and February, you have the chance to see six planets in our solar system after dark, although two — Uranus and Neptune — will be hard to see without a telescope or high-powered binoculars.

The best viewing for January's planetary parade is about 90 minutes after sunset, in as dark and clear a spot as you can find. Use binoculars or a telescope for an even better look. The alignment will be visible into February.

A unique sight is visible across Iowa skies, and viewers only have a few weeks to see it. The “planetary parade” will allow up to six planets to be seen with the help of binoculars or a telescope or four planets to be seen with the naked eye.