celestial alignment

Celestial alignment is the arrangement of astronomical bodies—planets, moons, stars, the sun—along a line or in a particular geometric pattern as viewed from Earth.

Astronomers track alignments for scientific purposes, while astrologers assign them significance for human affairs.

The term often appears in discussions of rare events: The celestial alignment won't occur again for another century.

Loosely, it describes any cosmic configuration perceived as meaningful or dramatic.