Stargazers across the world are gearing up for one of the most anticipated celestial events of 2025: the rare planetary parade featuring the alignment of seven planets. From February 26 to February 28, avid astronomers and casual sky watchers alike will have the unique opportunity to witness this splendid astronomical phenomenon, which won't occur again until 2040.
The planetary lineup, showcasing Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, is visible just after sunset. Although the planets won’t form a perfect straight line, they will gather closely enough to be spotted near each other across the night sky, creating what is aptly termed the 'planet parade.' This captivating sight is primarily due to the different orbital speeds of these planets as they orbit the Sun, allowing them to share similar positions relative to Earth.
The Greenwich Royal Observatory has been tracking the alignment, which officially started to be visible on February 26. According to their reports, "You may have heard the term 'planetary parade' recently - so what's going on?" Observers can expect to catch their best view of the planets shortly after sunset. During the recent weeks, prior to this event, planets like Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, and Saturn have caught the eye of those with telescopes and binoculars, and now with the addition of Mercury, all seven planets will be visible simultaneously.
Albert Zijlstra, Professor of Astrophysics at The University of Manchester, confirms the rarity of such celestial events, stating, "This kind of event is rare," and emphasizing its last occurrence. He adds, "September 8, 2040 is the next time the five bright planets will be visible simultaneously."
For those eager to capture the cosmic show, the best chance to see as many planets as possible will be just after sunset today (February 27) and tomorrow (February 28). Four of the planets - Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars – will be particularly prominent to the naked eye, though Saturn may require some assistance from binoculars or telescopes, and Uranus and Neptune will largely be observable only with telescopes. The excitement lies not only within the alignment but also at the chance to observe conditions like visibility, weather, and light pollution, which could hinder clarity.
David Bell, spokesperson for the Heaton Park Astronomy Group, highlights, "Venus is totally unmissable, shining like a flare in the southwest, remaining visible until after 8 PM throughout February." This visual appeal, paired with the anticipation of witnessing multiple planets together, paints the event as unforgettable. Venus, the 'love planet,' along with Mars, which recently reached opposition, promises extraordinary views this week.
Jupiter will also be readily apparent this week, shining prominently high above the southern sky at around 8:30 PM, making it another easy target for observers. Saturn, meanwhile, is moving lower and might present challenges as it sits close to the horizon. According to Zijlstra, its visibility will soon be compromised, "Jupiter and Mars are obvious, but Saturn was easily visible in January but is getting harder because it is now low above the horizon."
The excitement doesn’t end there; enthusiasts hoping to catch glimpses of Uranus and Neptune should be aware of their fainter visibility. Uranus will be high in the southern sky, and though it's visible to the naked eye, tool assistance could enrich the viewing experience. Conversely, Neptune will need binoculars for observation, as it may set low by the horizon at sunset.
Mercury, often the last planet to join the parade, finds its place as the most challenging. The best date to spot Mercury, as advised by Zijlstra, is February 28. Expect it to present visibility around 6:15 PM from areas with clear western horizons. Knowing when to look is key to maximizing your planetary viewing experience.
Those eager to observe this planetary parade should aim for locations away from the glaring city lights and should prepare for conditions allowing the best possible views. Choosing to watch from dark sky areas ensures minimal interference from light pollution, enriching the stargazing experience. Great options include spots like Cley Hill or local favorites known for less light obstruction.
For the final nights of this planetary parade, the conditions seem promising, with many regions expected to have clear skies. According to the Met Office, most of the UK will have “variable cloud, with occasional clear spells” on February 27, 2025. On Friday evening, forecasters indicate clearer conditions for stargazers, positioning them well for viewing.
The thrill of witnessing all seven planets aligned just above the horizon truly captures the majesty of the cosmos, making this week’s planetary event one for the records. Enthusiasts are encouraged to gather friends and family for this memorable occasion. For those who witness the spectacle, sending photos could spread the awe of the night sky and allow others to join the excitement. Otherwise, those who miss this rare sight will have to wait nearly two decades for the next opportunity to experience such celestial harmony.