The night sky will treat stargazers to a spectacular phenomenon on February 28, 2025, as seven planets of our Solar System align for what is known as a planetary alignment. This rare event, also referred to as the "planet parade," offers enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike the chance to witness multiple worlds simultaneously.
An alignment occurs when celestial bodies appear to line up from our viewpoint on Earth, creating the illusion of them being positioned along the same line. According to Sergio Barreiro, an astronomy instructor and astrologer, this alignment is especially notable as it will feature seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—all visible together on the same night. Observers can expect to see five of these planets clearly without aids, whilst Uranus and Neptune will likely need binoculars or telescopes to be identified.
Notably, the best viewing times will be just after sunset, with peak visibility between approximately 5:25 PM and 6:30 PM local time. The alignment will be evident from about 5:30 PM and will continue for around two hours. This timing varies slightly depending on the observer's location: for example, those in the United States can look between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM, whereas viewers in Europe might spot the planets from around 6:20 PM until 7:00 PM.
For the best experience, experts recommend locating yourself in areas with minimal light pollution, such as rural regions or national parks, and arriving at least 30 minutes before sunset to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark. Barreiro noted, "La alineación planetaria no se produce de manera real, sino que permite ver varios planetas en una misma línea visual," showcasing the optical illusion created by their respective distances and positions.
The specific placement of the planets will vary, with Mercury and Saturn expected to be challenging to see due to their proximity to the sun's glare. Fortunately, Venus will be the brightest visible planet, easily identified even from locations with heavy light pollution. Mars' distinctive reddish hue will also be easy to spot, followed by Jupiter, which ranks as the second-brightest planet after Venus. Observers can utilize astronomy applications, such as SkyView or Stellarium, to help recognize and locate each celestial body as they illuminate the night sky together.
This upcoming event is not only about what we can see, but it has significance as such alignments do not frequent the calendar; the next will not occur until 2040. "Estás más cerca de la oposición o formando un ángulo que nos permite verlos de noche," explains Barreiro, emphasizing the albeit temporary conditions necessary for this kind of display. Each planet orbits the sun at different speeds—this constant motion makes such occurrences rare and special.
During the alignment, particularly high and elevated areas devoid of significant clouds will offer the clearest views. Yet, cloud coverage may impede visibility on the night of February 28, hence those interested should keep updated with weather conditions. While the optimal viewing spots will be scattered across rural and elevated terrains, those within cities should plan accordingly to minimize obstructions from artificial lights.
During this celestial event, viewers may also enjoy some of the historical significance of witnessing several planets aligned, as these alignments can inspire contemplation and curiosity about our place within the cosmos. Observatories and astronomy-related organizations often host guided events during such phenomena, offering telescopes and expert commentary to enrich the experience for participants.
Finally, for those unable to experience the alignment of February 28 directly, virtual attendance through live-streams organized by observatories or platforms like NASA TV can provide insights and imagery, connecting audiences around the globe to this incredible event.
With conditions permitting, the February 2025 planetary alignment promises to be one of the most notable celestial displays of the decade—an opportunity for humankind to pause, gaze upward, and marvel at the vast mysteries of the universe before us.