At The Click Collective, we’re all about capturing the magic of the world around us—and this week, the night sky is offering a truly spectacular opportunity for photographers and stargazers alike. A rare “planetary parade” is gracing our skies, with six major planets and a bonus comet visible over the next few days. Whether you’re an experienced astrophotographer or just love to gaze at the stars, now’s the time to grab your camera, binoculars, or telescope and head outside.
What to Expect
Four bright planets—Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars—are already visible to the naked eye just after sunset. Venus and Saturn will appear especially close this weekend in a stunning conjunction. With a pair of binoculars, you’ll even be able to spot Saturn’s rings in the same field as Venus. For those with telescopes, Uranus and Neptune are also in view, adding to this rare celestial lineup.
Adding even more excitement, comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) is making its second-ever swing around the Sun and is visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Look for it low on the western horizon just after sunset. While the comet’s tail might not be visible without equipment, the comet itself will appear as a bright star to the naked eye.
How to See the Show
No matter where you are in Ballarat, head outside 60–90 minutes after sunset and look westward to spot Venus, the evening star, glowing brightly. Jupiter will be visible overhead to the north, while Mars, with its distinct orange hue, can be found in the northeast. To see Saturn’s rings, a small telescope will work wonders.
For the best viewing experience, find a location with minimal light pollution—perhaps one of the serene fields or open areas around Ballarat. Bring along binoculars, a telescope, or even a good stargazing app to help locate the fainter planets and the comet.
Tips for Capturing the Magic
Astrophotography enthusiasts, this is your moment! Modern smartphones can now capture incredible night-sky images, but for the best results, use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a tripod. Wide-angle lenses and long exposures will allow you to capture the beauty of the planetary lineup and the star-studded backdrop of the night sky. Head to a dark-sky location around 60–90 minutes after sunset and look westward. Adjust camera settings: ISO 800–3200+, aperture f/2.8, and a 10–20 second shutter speed. Bring binoculars for extra detail and use stargazing apps such as photo pills or good to stargaze for guidance. You can also join us on an astrophotography workshop through our workshop’s tab to learn how to capture the night sky.
Why It Matters
More than just a visual treat, this planetary parade serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our dark skies. Light pollution threatens our ability to enjoy these natural wonders. By minimizing outdoor lighting and making it sky-friendly, we can protect this beauty for future generations.
So, Ballarat, let’s take advantage of this rare celestial event! Whether you’re out to capture the perfect shot or simply enjoy the view, this is a moment you won’t want to miss. The night sky is waiting—let’s look up and marvel at the universe together.
Happy stargazing!
– The Click Collective