February 2025 marks a remarkable month for stargazers as they are treated to the rare sight of all seven planets shining prominently across the night sky. On the evening of February 28, not only will Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune align, but they will also be visible together just after sunset, creating what has been referred to by astronomer Seth Jacobson as a ‘planetary parade.’ Jacobson, who is an assistant professor at Michigan State University's College of Natural Science, notes, "The planetary alignment is, more accurately, described as a ‘planetary parade.’ The planets can always be found on the path through the sky called the ecliptic, but this February is special."
Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts will want to position themselves accordingly to catch this celestial phenomenon. Mercury is anticipated to hover low on the western horizon, remaining visible for about 40 minutes after sunset. Venus, known for its brilliance, will follow suit about two hours later, illuminating the early evening sky. Meanwhile, Mars and Jupiter will dominate the eastern portion of the sky, being among the brightest objects visible throughout the night. Saturn will be seen setting shortly after sunset and will be near Mercury, providing a rare opportunity for those hoping to witness the ringed planet.
More than just the planetary alignment, March brings the total lunar eclipse on the nights of March 13 and 14, which will be visible to many across North and South America. The eclipse begins with the penumbral stage just before 11:56 p.m. EDT, leading up to totality around 2:59 a.m. EDT. The sight of the Moon passing through the Earth’s shadow promises to be breathtaking, with the color of the eclipsed lunar surface transitioning from dusky gray to stunning shades of orange, dependent on atmospheric conditions. This event offers fantastic photography opportunities, as the orange Moon can stand out beautifully against the night sky, surrounded by constellations.
For those enthusiasts eager to observe the planetary parade and lunar activities, optimal viewing will require some preparation. Finding locations away from city lights is recommended to maximize visibility, as light pollution can obscure celestial bodies. Bringing along binoculars or even telescopes will also significantly improve the viewing experience. While binoculars provide enhanced capabilities to discern colors of the planets, telescopes are necessary to potentially view the stunning rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter.
Throughout March, the observable celestial bodies shift and change as the Moon waxes and wanes. Starting on March 1, Venus shines brightly at magnitudes -4.8 and can be spotted without any difficulty shortly after sunset. Observers should look for the slender crescent Moon positioned south of Venus on the same evening and prepare to capture images as the planets change positions and visibility.
Specific observations worth mentioning include the visibility of Mars, which will remain high and vibrant throughout early March, particularly around the 8th of the month when the gibbous Moon will stand northeast of the Red Planet. Similarly, Jupiter’s brilliance will dim slightly over the month but will still provide long evening views abilities through small telescopes. Its notable Great Red Spot and atmospheric features will remain visible during these encounters, capturing the wonder of this gas giant.
This month serves as the culmination of various celestial events leading to the highly anticipated planetary alignment. Each night, those interested can take advantage of tools like binoculars to see all these planets and maybe even their moons more clearly. For astrophotographers, the images of the colorful alignment against the backdrop of the energetic cosmos provide rich opportunities for spectacular photography across social media platforms.
With so much to observe across the skies this February and March, the feeling of connecting with the cosmos will invoke excitement for many stargazers and novice astronomers alike. The planetary parade is not just about the visual impact, but also about the collective appreciation of the magnificence of our solar system. It offers rare chances to witness these planets together — something to talk about at the next gathering or even to simply cherish as individuals revel at night under the stars.
Whether you’re enjoying the view with friends, personal contemplation, or planning to capture these rare moments with your camera, February and early March 2025 will undoubtedly be remembered as extraordinary months for astronomical observations. Don't miss the opportunity to look upwards and appreciate the beauty of the universe.