On February 28, a rare celestial event will see all seven planets of our solar system—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—visible in the night sky, a phenomenon not repeated until 2040. This planetary parade began last month, with notable visibility of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus to the naked eye after sunset. However, Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope for viewing. The best observational conditions are found away from city lights, under clear skies. This alignment is an extraordinary spectacle for astronomy enthusiasts across India and beyond.
On February 28, a rare astronomical phenomenon is expected to take place, allowing a brief glimpse of all planets in our solar system in the night sky. This stunning showcase, which won’t happen again until 2040, will finalize the planetary parade that commenced last month. It will feature a lineup of all seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—aligning in the celestial sphere. NASA highlights that such occurrences, particularly those involving four or more planets, are significant and do not happen every year. What makes this event exceptional is the unusually high number of bright planets visible simultaneously, which is quite rare.
What is a Planetary Parade?
As reported by Space.com, the planets in our solar system orbit the sun along a line in a plane called the ecliptic. This alignment means that planets in the sky will consistently appear near this line. Although these events are common, they are typically described as planetary alignments. The term “planet parade” is also used, although NASA emphasizes this is not an official astronomical term.
When and how to view this rare celestial event?
The optimal time to witness the event is approximately 45 minutes post-sunset. The four planets—Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus—will be visible to the naked eye right after sundown, while Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune will necessitate a good pair of binoculars or a telescope to see.
According to the BBC, Venus can be spotted in the west after sunset. Mars will be visible high in the southern sky and is expected to remain visible into early March 2025. Jupiter will appear in the southwest post-sunset. Uranus can technically be seen with the naked eye, but good eyesight and clear, dark skies are essential for visibility, as it is located below the Pleiades star cluster in the west-southwest after dark.
Now, regarding the harder-to-see planets: Saturn was excellent for observation at the year’s beginning, but by late February, it will become nearly impossible to view, positioned very near the Sun in the sky and setting along with it in the west. Seeing Neptune will require a good pair of binoculars or a telescope, even in ideal conditions.
Completing the ensemble is Mercury, the seventh planet, which will render all Solar System worlds visible in the sky at once on February 28, 2025. It should be found in the west-southwest shortly after sunset, yet a very clear horizon will be necessary to catch it before it sinks below the skyline.
Thus, if you’re planning to venture outside on February 28 to behold seven solar system planets brightly shining and elegantly arranged in a line across the sky, be prepared to face some disappointment. Although Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus will still be visible, spotting Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune will be quite challenging.
Planetary Parade: Visibility in India
This planetary alignment will be observable throughout India. Numerous cities should be able to enjoy this remarkable event. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus will be seen with the naked eye. However, a telescope will be necessary to view Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune, as they will appear faint.
How to view the Planetary Parade?
Select a location with an unobstructed view of the horizon. For reduced light pollution, choose a spot away from city lights.
While Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus can be seen without assistance, binoculars or a telescope will enhance the experience, particularly for viewing Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune. Clear skies are essential for optimal viewing.