A rare astronomical opportunity awaits those gazing skyward on February 28, 2025, as all seven other planets in our solar system are on parade. This once-in-a-generation occurrence is set to delight night sky observers around the world with Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune aligning shortly after sunset. The planetary parade offers the unique chance to see these celestial bodies either with the naked eye or with the aid of binoculars and telescopes, making it must-see viewing.
This planetary parade is known to occur when planets appear to line up across the night sky. Astronomers describe it as visual alignments where, from Earth’s perspective, these planets cluster on one side of the Sun. This spectacular showcase is particularly special as the opportunity to see all seven is expected to occur only once more until 2040, making tonight one of the most anticipated nights for skywatching enthusiasts.
Six planets have been lining up throughout January and February, with Mercury joining the cosmic display just this week. Venus, shining bright, is located to the west; Jupiter is positioned directly overhead; Mars can be seen high to the east, and Saturn will appear low in the western sky. Uranus and Neptune will require the use of telescopes or binoculars to spot due to their distance and dim visibility.
According to NASA, “While they aren’t once-in-a-lifetime events, planetary parades afford an uncommon opportunity to look up and appreciate our place in our solar system.” The skywatching event is predicted to begin just after sunset, with the best views occurring shortly after 6 PM GMT. Saturn and Mercury will quickly fade from sight as they drop below the horizon soon after dark.
Locally, predictions from the Meteorological Office indicate favorable weather for the parade, with much of the UK expecting clear skies. “Mars will appear in the east, Jupiter and Uranus will be seen in the southeast, and Venus, Neptune, and Saturn will be visible toward the west,” explains Dr. Christopher Barnes from the University of Derby. Observers are advised to seek locations with minimal light pollution for the clearest views possible.
Chris Cooke, the Chairman of the Plymouth Astronomical Society, urges stargazers, “If you have binoculars, it will help, but be careful just after sunset! You should be able to see the brilliant Venus and lower down, Mercury. It’s unlikely you'll see the almost new moon on the horizon, but – and it’s a big but – if you can, look slightly to the left of it to see Saturn.”
For those prepared to engage with the night sky, spotting the planets can offer not just awe at their beauty, but also significant mental health benefits, according to Cooke. “Engaging with the night sky encourages mindfulness, allowing individuals to momentarily detach from daily stresses and immerse themselves,” Cooke adds.
Although not all planets will be visible without assistance, the bright appearances of Venus and Jupiter should capture the attention of anyone glancing up at the sky. With the planets moving through their respective orbits at different speeds, these alignments are visual rather than physical phenomena, with planets remaining separated by immense distances.
Dr. Shyam Balaji, researcher at King’s College London, commented on the rarity of such events: “Planetary alignments occur because the planets orbit the Sun within roughly the same plane, known as the ecliptic plane. These moments when they appear to line up from Earth’s perspective are mesmerizing yet can vary significantly over decades.”
Wayfarers around the globe will find this evening exceptional as they can experience first-hand the gathering of worlds. Excitingly, various observatories have begun streaming live views of the parade, allowing those unable to be outside to partake virtually.
“Such a parade happens from time to time and we wish to share this event with our friends around the world,” says Gianluca Masi from the Virtual Telescope Project, who will host webcast views of the planetary parade starting at 12 PM ET (1700 GMT) today.
Stargazing enthusiasts note this is the last opportunity to see all seven planets together until 2040. The sense of community among observers, whether under the stars or through online streams, showcases the widespread fascination with astronomy. With the focus toward the skies tonight, the gathering serves as both scientific curiosity and shared human experience.
Will you be watching? Don’t miss this rare chance to observe the celestial bodies making their appearance, as they won’t gather again like this for another fifteen years.