A rare astronomical event is set to unfold tonight, offering stargazers an incredible opportunity to witness all seven planets of our solar system in a stunning parade across the night sky. This extraordinary phenomenon, which occurs only once in a generation, promises to be a captivating sight for anyone inclined to look upward. As dusk falls, the planets will align in a breathtaking display, visible just above the horizon. While some planets can be seen with the naked eye, others will require a telescope or binoculars for a clearer view. Don’t miss this chance—this spectacular alignment won’t happen again until 2040!
What is a Planetary Parade and How Rare is It?
A planetary parade isn’t an official astronomical term, but it commonly refers to the visual alignment of planets appearing in a line or arc across the night sky. This alignment occurs because the planets orbit our Sun in a flat, disc-shaped path known as an elliptical plane, and Earth shares this orbital path. Observing the planets from our planet is akin to watching cars on a racetrack while seated in one of them.
According to NASA, on any given night, at least one planet is usually visible in the sky. Frequently, two or three planets are seen around sunset, and occasionally, four or five can be spotted simultaneously with the naked eye, although such occurrences are not guaranteed every year. The next opportunity for a four-planet alignment will take place in late August this year, just before sunrise. However, witnessing all seven planets at once is a much rarer spectacle. As NASA states, “While they aren’t once-in-a-lifetime events, planetary parades provide a unique chance to look up and appreciate our place in the solar system.” Recently, all the planets in our solar system were captured together for the first time from a field in Somerset.
Which Planets Will Be Visible in the Sky Tonight?
There are eight planets in our solar system, including our home planet:
- Mercury
- Venus
- Earth
- Mars
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Uranus
- Neptune
On the evening of February 28, all seven planets, excluding Earth, will be visible in the night sky. However, the more distant planets, Uranus and Neptune, will only be discernible with the assistance of a telescope or binoculars.
How Long Will This Planetary Parade Last?
Planetary parades are not typically one-day events, as the planets move relatively slowly, allowing alignments to persist for weeks. The Royal Observatory at Greenwich in London noted that from late January until now, a “great view of six planets—Saturn, Venus, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars—has been visible in the sky during the hours following sunset.” Between January 18 and 21, Saturn and Venus were closely positioned in the sky, gradually swapping places within the planetary lineup. Saturn, Venus, and Jupiter shone brightly as white points of light, while Mars appeared as an orange dot. Uranus and Neptune required a telescope for viewing. However, on February 28, Mercury will join this celestial display, allowing observers to see all seven planets simultaneously. It’s important to note that Saturn and Neptune may be challenging to spot, as they will be positioned low on the southwestern horizon after sunset. Therefore, venturing outside around sunset will provide the best opportunity to witness this cosmic parade.
How Can I See the Planetary Parade from the UK?
To successfully spot the planets, clear skies and minimal light pollution are essential. Urban dwellers may need to travel to areas with less light interference to enjoy optimal views. For Uranus and Neptune, a telescope or binoculars will be necessary for visibility. The ideal time to begin your stargazing adventure is just after sunset tonight, between 5:45 and 6:00 PM (GMT), when all the planets, except Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus, will be near the horizon. Mars should remain visible throughout much of the night, while Mercury and Saturn will dip below the horizon shortly after darkness falls, followed by Neptune and Venus soon after. Dr. Matt Burleigh from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester shared with BBC Science Focus: “Venus is located in the west, shining as the brightest object in the sky after sunset. Jupiter is directly overhead, the next brightest. If you look slightly east of Jupiter, you’ll notice Mars with its distinctive red glow.”
