Amazing sky event this month: Six planets will be visible to the naked eye including Neptune and Uranus
Six planets will be parading through the sky at the end of the month, and you won’t have to stay up late into the night to catch it.
Sky watchers are in for a treat at the end of February, a planetary parade will take place on the 28th. Six planets will be lined up in the evening sky following the Sun over the horizon as it sets.
Just about anywhere you are, you’ll be able to see Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn with the naked eye. In order to see the other two, Uranus and Neptune, you’ll need to find a dark place with little light pollution, and bring binoculars or a telescope, as those distant bodies will be extremely dim.
When and where to see the planetary parade of six planets
The celestial event will take place primarily in the western sky as the Sun sets on Saturday, 28 February. The waxing Moon will not get in the way of the spectacle as only 18% of its surface will be illuminated.
Below the upturned crescent will be Saturn, Neptune, Venus and Mercury, while Uranus will be above and Jupiter will be high in the East. You will need a telescope to see Neptune, but make sure that the Sun is well below the horizon before attempting to view the distant blue planet.
- Venus: One of the brightest objects in the night sky, Venus will stand out. It will be near the horizon in the constellation Aquarius.
- Mercury: This small planet slightly higher, located in the constellation Pisces and will be visible for roughly an hour after sunset.
- Neptune: Next in the parade, Neptune will be slightly below and to the right of Saturn.
- Saturn: Directly below the Moon, Saturn will also be in the constellation Pisces.
- Uranus: This cyan-coloured ice giant will be located higher in the sky in the constellation Taurus.
- Jupiter: The second-brightest planet in the alignment, Jupiter will be on the opposite side of the sky in the constellation Gemini.
What is a planetary alignment?
Planetary alignments occur when three or more planets appear in a straight line from Earth’s perspective. However, it’s important to note that this is not a true astronomical event but rather an optical illusion.
The planets orbit the Sun independently, but from our vantage point on Earth, they appear to line up along the ecliptic plane.
How to get the best view
To make the most of this rare celestial event:
- Use a stargazing app to locate the planets in real time.
- Bring binoculars or a telescope to view Uranus and Neptune.
- Find a dark-sky location away from city lights.
- Check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies.
The cultural significance of planetary alignments
Beyond their visual spectacle, planetary alignments have long fascinated humanity. Throughout history, different civilizations have interpreted these celestial events as omens or prophetic signs.
Today, they serve as powerful educational moments, offering a deeper understanding of planetary motion and our solar system’s dynamics. Events like these inspire curiosity and provide an opportunity to appreciate the vastness of the universe through the lens of modern science.
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