This week, seven planets will align in what is known as a planetary parade. This planetary parade will see Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn lining up in the evening sky. Four will probably be visible to the naked eye just after sunset.
We chatted to astronomer Dr. Megan Argo, Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics at the University of Central Lancashire, to find out how to see the planets tonight.
What is a planetary parade?
Kind of what it sounds like. When the planets happen to line up in their respective orbits around the sun, it’s what astronomers call a “planetary parade”—because it kind of looks like the planets are all marching in a line, get it?
“Planetary alignment is an astronomical event and a visual spectacle,” says Argo. “It might be more appropriately called planetary grouping, when it is possible to see more than one planet in the sky at the same time, not a straight line of them as is presumed.”
This event is pretty rare—in fact, seven planets won’t align again until 2040. “This is because planets orbit the Sun at different speeds, and they appear to move across the sky compared to the rest of the stars,” Argo says. “Occasionally, their orbits mean that planets appear in the same part of the sky from our perspective on Earth. This is what we are seeing right now. Four or five planets at once is common, but it’s a rarity to have all seven visible at the same time.”
How to see the planets align this week
“On February 28, and for a few days either side, this alignment will include seven planets: Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury and Saturn,” says Argo.
The best time to try and spot the planets tonight is just after sunset, but be warned: Catching all of the planets with the naked eye will be almost impossible. Saturn and Mercury are also due to set as the sun sets, so they’ll be lingering near the horizon, and you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled.
“To see the planetary alignment, head outside once the Sun sets. Find a spot with a clear view to the west, up a hill with no obstructions is best,” she says. “Binoculars and an astronomy app will improve the experience, tracking fainter planets if you want to see the full line-up. Mercury and Saturn set not long after the Sun, so head out early to see those.”
Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will probably be much easier to spot. Meanwhile, you’ll probably need a telescope to catch a glimpse of Uranus and Neptune.
Argo adds: “Very importantly, never look at the Sun through binoculars or a telescope. This can cause permanent damage to your eyes. Always wait until the Sun has set before looking in the direction with any sort of optical aid.”
So, what should you look for?
“The planetary alignment will look like a string of stars scattered across the sky,” she says. “Venus will be the brightest, shining in the Western sky after sunset. Mercury and Saturn will be close together just above the horizon, while Neptune lies faintly between Mercury and Venus, though you’ll need a telescope to see it clearly.”
She goes on: “Up higher, Jupiter will stand out as the second-brightest ‘star.’ Uranus will be faint, sitting between Venus and Jupiter, while Mars will have a distinct orange glow over in the east, near the stars of Gemini. All together, it’ll feel like a celestial parade, with planets spread across different parts of the sky.”
A version of this post was previously published in Glamour UK.
The post How to See the 7 Planets Tonight in a Rare Planetary Parade appeared first on Glamour.
