6 Planets Visible Now, 7 in Late February: A Rare Planetary Parade Lights Up the Night Sky
Imagine stepping outside on a clear night and seeing not just one or two, but six planets scattered across the sky. This month, that dream becomes a reality as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, neptune, and Uranus align in a stunning celestial event known as a planetary alignment or, more informally, a “planetary parade.” By late February, Mercury will join the lineup, making it seven planets visible at once—a rare treat for stargazers.
“They’re not in a straight line,but they’re pretty close together on one side of the sun,” explains Hannah Sparkes,planetarium supervisor at the Bishop Museum of Science and nature in Florida. While planets are often visible individually, seeing so many at the same time is a special occurrence. Most of these planets can be seen wiht the naked eye, though Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope.
How to Spot the Planetary Parade
According to NASA, multi-planet alignments aren’t super-rare, but they don’t happen every year. This month, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are easily visible without any special equipment. Uranus and Neptune, however, will require a bit more effort. For the best viewing experience, head out on a clear night a few hours after sunset and face south, advises Kevin Williams, planetarium director at Buffalo State University in New York.
Mars will stand out as a reddish-orange dot, while the other planets will shine brighter than the surrounding stars. If you’re unsure where to look, stargazing apps can help you navigate the night sky and pinpoint each planet’s location.
Here’s a fast guide to what you’ll see:
| Planet | visibility | special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venus | Naked Eye | Brightest planet in the sky |
| Mars | Naked Eye | Reddish-orange appearance |
| Jupiter | Naked Eye | Large and bright |
| Saturn | Naked eye | Golden hue |
| Uranus | Binoculars/Telescope | Faint blue-green color |
| Neptune | Binoculars/Telescope | Deep blue color |
| Mercury | Naked Eye (Late February) | Closest to the horizon |
This image from NASA shows the positions of the planets after dark as of mid-January, helping you visualize where to look.
Why This Event Matters
Planetary alignments are more than just a gorgeous sight—they’re a reminder of the intricate dance of our solar system.While these events don’t have any significant gravitational effects on Earth, they offer a unique prospect to appreciate the scale and beauty of our cosmic neighborhood. As the planets slowly become less visible through the spring, this is your chance to witness a rare celestial spectacle.
So grab your binoculars, download a stargazing app, and head outside to catch this planetary parade. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just someone who loves a good night sky, this event is not to be missed.
Have more questions? Wont to share your stargazing experience? Use the “send us feedback” link below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
With files from The associated Press
TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Ginnette Riquelme/The Associated Press
