A rare planetary parade will occur. Seven planets – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune – align, offering stargazers a unique opportunity.
A rare celestial event, known as a ‘planetary parade,’ is set to occur, where seven planets appear to align in the night sky. This phenomenon, involving Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, offers a unique opportunity for stargazers.
Understanding Planetary Parades
A planetary parade happens when several planets are visible in the sky at the same time, appearing to line up from our perspective on Earth. According to Dr. Greg Brown, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the impressiveness of a parade depends on the number of planets involved and how visible they are. These alignments occur because the planets in our solar system orbit the Sun within roughly the same plane, known as the ecliptic plane. As they orbit at different speeds and distances, there are moments when they appear to line up.
Visibility of the Seven Planets
While all seven planets are technically visible during this alignment, spotting each one varies in difficulty. Venus, Jupiter, and Mars are the easiest to see with the unaided eye. Venus appears as a bright point of light in the west after sunset. Mars, especially after reaching opposition in January 2025, will be high in the east-southeast. Jupiter will be visibly bright under dark skies in the south-southeast. Uranus will be near Jupiter and below the Pleiades star cluster.
However, Mercury, Neptune, and Saturn are more challenging to observe. They are close to the horizon, making them harder to spot, especially in the twilight. Uranus and Neptune are also faint, often requiring binoculars or a telescope. To find the planets with a telescope, look for moon shapes. Using a telescope, try looking for the moons of Jupiter or the shape of the illuminated part of Venus’s surface – like a tiny crescent moon.
When and Where to View the Alignment
The alignment is expected to be particularly noticeable around February 28, 2025. Dr. Shyam Balaji, a researcher in astroparticle physics and cosmology at King’s College London, suggests the best time to see the alignment is shortly after sunset, when the planets will be positioned above the western horizon. Stargazers in Australia should look north after sunset, while those in the US should head out about 30 minutes after sunset, away from bright lights.
Future Alignments
While groups of three, four, or five planets being visible aren’t uncommon, full seven-planet parades are fairly rare. The next time all seven planets will align is in 2040. A similar parade took place in the past, but only a few planets were easily visible without special equipment. Six planets were visible in January, with four to the naked eye.
Tips for Observing
To maximize your chances of seeing the alignment, find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the horizon. Stargazing apps can help you locate the planets in the sky. For fainter planets like Uranus and Neptune, binoculars or a telescope are recommended. Be patient, as spotting these planets may require some preparation, timing, and a bit of luck.
The Ecliptic Plane
Planetary alignments occur because the planets in our solar system orbit the Sun within roughly the same plane, known as the ecliptic plane. The ecliptic is the apparent path the Sun traces across the sky. This alignment requires all planets to be on the same side of the Sun.
Conclusion
While the seven-planet alignment may not be as spectacular as sometimes advertised, it is still a fascinating celestial event to witness. Under favorable conditions, the planets are there to be seen, offering a unique glimpse into the workings of our solar system.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/ckgd2zk9k9go
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/feb/28/planetary-parade-visible-february-28-how-to-see-planets-aligned
https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news/seven-planet-parade-28-february-2025