Skywatchers in America are in for a once-in-a-lifetime historic show. That is, a seven-planet alignment that will not transpire again until 2040, says research. Known as the planetary parade, it includes seven planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, appearing in an arc across the night sky. These kinds of alignments are rare, and that is why it is something not to miss.
This alignment happens when planets are on the same side of the sun. Unfortunately, the line is not straight as shown on science diagrams, but it is an arc shape. We are used to five planet alignments, which occur once a year; however, this time around we have seven, which is a big deal in the science community. The last time we had this similar event was in 2020, now in 2025, and the next one will be in 2040.
The reason why this alignment happens
This happens because the ecliptic, a flat plane, is where all of the planets in the Solar System orbit the Sun. Because of the way stars like our Sun develop, the planets are all roughly on the same level as grooves on a record, but some have orbits that are slightly tilted above or below this plane, according to Science Alert. This event permits us to learn and comprehend our universe.
When and where to search: Visibility and timing
Scientists say this will happen on the 28th of February, although we started identifying the alignment in January. If weather conditions permit, all seven planets will be visible. Additionally, the alignment will be visible just after sunset, that is around 6:30 PM local time. It is around this time that Jupiter will make its grand entrance, so keep an eye open for that.
From the Western Horizon is where the planets will stretch, and Venus and Mercury will be visible. They will arc across the east, where Mars will appear. Interesting right? If you happen to see the one that shines brighter than all, it is Venus; it is also known as the “evening star,” and Mars will be distinguished by its reddish-orangeish colour.
Another thing to note is that all this will depend on where in the world you are. So, for some locations, it will be different timing. If you want to be sure, there are tools you can use; for instance, a website called Time and Date will help locate you and notify you. There is also an app called Sky Tonight that determines your location using the hardware of your phone and displays the current locations of celestial objects on a map of the sky above.
Getting ready for the event: Advice for the best viewing
Now that you know what is happening at the end of February, how can you prepare yourself for this amazing one-in-a-lifetime event? Using the tools I mentioned above and others too, ensure that you are at the right location at the right time. Open places like rural areas often have the best view because they do not have buildings distracting them. Check the weather conditions too.
Appropriate equipment will be of greater advantage, such as binoculars. Some planets can be seen with the naked eye, but some need binoculars, like Uranus and Neptune. Scientists also advise that to help your eyes acclimatise to the darkness and see fainter objects more clearly, spend at least 15 to 20 minutes in the dark without using any artificial light sources.
If you haven’t already, make plans right away because you will need a telescope or binoculars to see the planets in all their splendour. You should also hope for a bright sky! Even though this month’s planetary procession is dependent on your perspective—any two planets in our system can line up if you stand at the proper angle—it’s still conceivable to picture someone else on the other end, observing.