A Spectacular Celestial Event
As February draws to a close, stargazers have a rare opportunity to witness a planetary alignment featuring seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. However, astronomers warn that spotting all seven won’t be easy, as some planets will be closer to the sun’s glare.
Best Time to View the Planet Parade
The planets will be visible just after sunset, but Mercury and Saturn will be the most challenging to see due to their proximity to the sun. According to Shannon Schmoll, director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, Mercury will rise higher each evening, making it easier to spot.
For the best view, find a clear western horizon and use binoculars or a telescope to enhance visibility. Venus and Jupiter will stand out due to their brightness, while Mars’ reddish-orange hue will make it distinguishable.
How to Locate Each Planet
- Venus: The brightest planet and the best guide to locate the others.
- Jupiter & Mars: Higher in the sky, becoming more visible as the night progresses.
- Mercury & Saturn: Close to the horizon, best viewed 30 minutes after sunset.
- Uranus & Neptune: Require a telescope or binoculars for visibility.
According to Emily Elizondo, an astrophysics researcher at Michigan State University, planets will be positioned as follows:
- Southwest: Saturn and Mercury
- Southeast: Mars and Jupiter
- Between them: Venus, Uranus, and Neptune
Use Venus as a Guide
Not sure where to look? Focus on Venus—the most luminous planet in the night sky. Venus will be visible high in the western sky, gradually descending toward the horizon until it vanishes by mid-March. It will then reappear in the morning sky by April, according to NASA.
Unlike stars, Venus doesn’t twinkle—it emits a steady, bright glow. Look for Mercury just below Venus near the crescent moon, which will briefly appear on the western horizon.
Why Are So Many Planets Visible at Once?
The planets appear aligned due to their orbital paths around the sun. Normally, planets are spread across the sky, but this February, they have shifted to the same side of the sun, making them visible simultaneously.
According to Seth Jacobson, an assistant professor at Michigan State University, planets always align along the ecliptic plane, forming a curved line in the sky. This month, their unusual positioning creates a rare visual treat for stargazers.
Live Viewing for Those with Cloudy Skies
If weather conditions prevent a clear view, you can watch a live stream from the Virtual Telescope Project in Italy, which will capture the celestial event using robotic telescopes.
For those with access to a telescope, this is an excellent time to observe Uranus and Neptune, which are typically too faint to see with the naked eye.
Final Thoughts
This planetary alignment is a must-see event for astronomy enthusiasts and casual sky-watchers alike. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the stunning celestial parade before the planets drift apart in the coming weeks.
