A Rare Alignment of Seven Planets Captivates Stargazers on February 28, 2025
On Friday, February 28, 2025, astronomy enthusiasts will be treated to the spectacular sight of seven planets aligned on the same side of the Sun. The planets include Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn. This celestial event is significant, not only for its beauty but also because it will not occur again until May 19, 2161.
According to David Armstrong, a specialist in exoplanets at the University of Warwick, "Il arrive, quand tout s’accorde, qu’elles apparaissent toutes d’un même côté de la Terre"—which translates to, "When everything aligns, they all appear on one side of the Earth." Armstrong recommends, "Sortez et regardez en l’air" or "Go out and look up" if the skies are clear.
But what can spectators actually expect to see? Contrary to popular belief, the planets will not be lined up perfectly as visuals sometimes suggest, and significant hype around this alignment calls for caution. Eric Lagadec, astrophysicist at the Côte d'Azur Observatory, states, "On aura 7 planètes du même côté que le Soleil, donc en début de soirée, elles seront observables depuis la Terre." This means stargazers will have the opportunity to see these planets grouped together shortly after sunset.
The astronomical lineup will feature the smoother transportation of seven planets across the sky, and the most favorable viewing period will occur just after sunset. Various locations will have specific sunset times, making it easier for observers to plan their night sky viewing. Notably, those situated farther from the Equator will often have enhanced views of this extraordinary event.
For prominent cities across France, sunset is scheduled as follows: 6:17 PM for Nice, 6:25 PM for Lyon and Marseille, 6:31 PM for Paris, and 6:41 PM for Toulouse. Using astronomy apps can efficiently assist viewers by providing sunset times and planetary positions.
During this celestial gathering, the planets will be visible from the southern to the western horizon, with Mercury and Saturn being particularly challenging to spot as they remain low on the horizon. Observers might effortlessly identify the brighter planets—Mars, Jupiter, and Venus—while others such as Uranus and Neptune will require telescopes or powerful binoculars to locate successfully.
Jessica Lee of the Royal Observatory Greenwich noted, "Mercure, la plus petite, sera visible pendant un bref laps de temps à l’endroit où le Soleil se couche." This statement indicates the brief visibility window for the smallest planet, Mercury. It will be particularly elusive, appearing low right after sunset.
The allure of this planetary alignment will surely attract many to venture outside to gaze up at the night sky. Keep in mind, the planets do not twinkle like stars, which is one handy tip provided by the Côte d'Azur Observatory to help distinguish between celestial bodies for amateur astronomers.
With only one chance within decades to view such spectacular celestial phenomena, this event promises to engage and inspire budding astronomers and seasoned stargazers alike. Lagadec reminds us of the rarity and excitement of aligning celestial bodies, urging enthusiasts not to miss out on this extraordinary sight.
Finally, make sure to plan your observation time wisely, for this unique celestial parade won’t happen again for another 136 years. They may not be aligned perfectly as oftentimes imagined, but witnessing seven planets sharing the same side of the Sun will undoubtedly be a memorable encounter for many on Earth.