Seven planets are aligned this week, allowing us a chance to see what astronomers call a “planetary parade.”
Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars are all in alignment. That means that they’re all gathered closely on the same side of the sun at the same time.
This alignment has been going on throughout the month, but it will be clearest around the world on February 28, according to astrology website Starwalk. And the best time for viewing is dusk, right after the sun goes down.
According to NASA, five planets can be seen by the naked eye: Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Mercury. You’ll need a telescope or binoculars to see the others. Plus, Saturn and Mercury will be low in the sky, which might make it difficult to spot them.
Alignments of four or five planets aren’t particularly rare, but it is unusual for seven to be in alignment at once. The next time seven planets will be able to be seen is in September 2040, USA Today reported.
Alignments with fewer planets are coming up sooner than that, though. NASA predicts that there will be four planets visible before sunrise in August 2025, followed by five planets visible before sunrise in October 2028.
Looking for a place to observe the night sky? Check out some of Virginia’s stargazing spots.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
