On the evening of February 28, 2025, stargazers will be treated to a rare sight: the alignment of seven planets, creating what astronomers have dubbed a "planetary parade." This celestial phenomenon features the planets Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Mercury, with the first three easily observable to the naked eye.
Ricardo Ogando, astrofísico at the Observatório Nacional, highlighted the event stating, "This phenomenon is distributed over a vast area of the sky; it’s something to observe with your eyes rather than through a telescope." He emphasizes the beauty of lying back safely with eyes fixed on the western horizon to enjoy this cosmic show.
Visibility of the planets will depend on local conditions, with three out of the seven—Mars, Venus, and Jupiter—certain to be seen without any aid. Mercúrio will make brief appearances close to the Sun but will be difficult to catch, and the gas giants, Uranus and Neptune, will require telescopes due to their distance and faint light.
Thiago Gonçalves, director of the observatory at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, explained, "Planets, unlike stars, do not twinkle. They typically appear as bright stars due to their proximity to Earth." His advice for viewers is to keep their gaze focused on the point where the Sun sets, as Venus will shine prominently there, shortly followed by Jupiter and then Mars.
Although referred to as planetary alignment, Ogando pointed out, "What we observe is more accurately described as planetary conjunction. The term 'alignment' may give the impression of planets being lined up perfectly, but they are actually positioned more like an arc across the sky." This optical illusion arises from the unique perspectives at different points around the Sun.
The solar system’s framework allows for this spectacle due to the alignment of orbits, resulting from the early dust cloud collapse from which the planetary system formed. This means planets are commonly found within the same flat plane known as the ecliptic but can appear grouped together from our vantage point on Earth.
Conditions permitting, this planetary parade is not as infrequent as one might think. Ogando notes, "Although marketed as rare, alignments where multiple planets can be viewed simultaneously occur at various times. For example, similar visibility will again be seen on August 20, 2025, when Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will all be present before dawn." He acknowledges, though, "The specific arrangement we see today won't repeat until 2040, but such events definitely pique public interest and curiosity about astronomy.”
To optimize viewing, experts recommend scouting for locations away from city lights, such as parks or open fields, where the sky remains unencumbered by obstructions. Observers should ideally look up around half an hour post-sunset, as Vênus will be the first visible planet, shining like the brightest star shortly after dusk. Ogando suggests smartphone applications to assist with identification, which can map the precise locations of celestial bodies effectively.
For those eager to see this planetary display witnessed by countless cultures through history, the alignment offers not only impressive visuals but also serves as encouragement for scientific inquiry and communication about the cosmos. Ogando remarked, "This is not just about aesthetics; it's also important for educational outreach, allowing people to connect with the sky and engage with Brazilian astronomers."
Onlookers should prepare for the spectacle of the crescent moon joining the show afterwards, lighting up the night sky alongside the planets. The enchanting sight of these celestial objects will be tinged with excitement as the moon appears just after the parade, creating yet another reason for silent awe at the cosmic drama of the universe.
Even though planetary parades are not incredibly rare, they remain special events. Oftentimes, more common are sightings of just two or three planets after sunset. Nevertheless, as this skywatching opportunity draws ever closer, the message remains clear: tonight's display can be both beautiful and educational, inviting everyone to become explorers of the stars.