On February 28, 2025, stargazers across the globe can witness a rare astronomical event commonly referred to as the Great Planetary Parade. This spectacular alignment will feature seven planets — Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars — positioned on one side of the Sun.
Across Russia, this event promises breathtaking visuals, especially just after sunset. According to various sources, viewing conditions will be best from around 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM Moscow time, when four planets will be visible without the aid of telescopes. The first viewable planet, Saturn, will appear low on the horizon shortly after sunset and will be followed by Mercury, which will vanish from sight by 7:30 PM as the evening progresses.
Astronomer Lyudmila Koshman from the Moscow Planetarium stated, "The event is notable for the visibility of Saturn, Mercury, and the other planets lining up. Observers should be ready to catch Saturn first before it sets shortly after sunset." Observers are cautioned to find locations away from city lights to avoid interference from artificial illumination.
While Venus, Jupiter, and Mars can be easily spotted by the naked eye, Uranus and Neptune will only be discernible with telescopes. These two distant giants will be positioned above the horizon and will not be as prominent as their closer companions, making them challenging to locate. Koshman mentioned, "The planets will start to converge closer to the Sun as each day progresses, making this viewing window truly precious." The excitement surrounding this event is amplified by the fact it will not be replicated until the year 2161, marking this occasion as one of heightened urgency for astronomy enthusiasts and casual sky watchers alike.
For those intrigued by the alignment, it is advised to utilize online applications and interactive sky maps, which can aid viewers in identifying each celestial body and its respective path across the firmament. These educational tools support both amateur and seasoned astronomers as they make their viewing plans.
Another source highlighted the specific timings for each planet's visibility, emphasizing the small window for optimal observation. Mercury, for example, is expected to be most visible around 6:00 to 7:30 PM, followed by the evening appearances of more prominent planets like Jupiter and Venus, visible throughout the night. Stargazers should remain vigilant as the planets may only be visible for about 20 minutes post-sunset.
For residents of various regions, including the Tver and Volgograd areas, the spectacle offers not just excitement but also the opportunity to connect with nature. Local reports suggest ideal viewing spots include areas far from urban light pollution.
"It's truly exciting to see the alignment of these celestial bodies on such scale," stated Nikolai Zheleznov, of the Institute of Applied Astronomy. "Similar alignments are rare and entail unique conditions for observation." He noted the upcoming configurations of these planets later this March, where several will pass through conjunction with the Sun, creating different visibility dynamics. He expressed the importance of sharing this knowledge, so everyone can experience this unique phenomena.
Overall, anyone interested should prepare for this rare celestial display and mark their calendars. The beauty and scientific wonder of the Great Planetary Parade promise to offer insights not only for astronomical study but also personal enjoyment for all who look to the skies next Thursday.