On September 13, 2025, Gary Perez delivered a fascinating presentation on a rare astronomical alignment and its connection to the San Antonio Missions. He highlighted that from September 1–10, 2025, the five visible planets would align along the sun’s ecliptic in a pattern reminiscent of how the Missions were originally laid out along the river by the Peoples of the Mission.
This event is exceptionally rare, having only occurred 18 times since the Missions were built in the 1700s. The last alignment took place on October 26, 2023, just 12 days after the annular eclipse over San Antonio on October 14. Looking ahead, this planetary alignment will next occur in 2039 and 2081, making it a remarkable intersection of astronomy, history, and cultural heritage.
Gary’s presentation offered a unique perspective on the interplay between celestial events and the planning of the Missions, connecting astronomy, Indigenous knowledge, and the enduring legacy of San Antonio’s historic sites.
