Catch the Stunning Planetary Alignment in February’s Night Sky: A Spectacular View of Our Solar System

At the end of February, something special is happening in the night sky. Seven planets will be visible, creating a stunning event known as a planetary parade. While some of these planets are easy to see, others might be a bit tricky without help.

A planetary parade occurs when several planets seem to align on one side of the sun. They don’t form a perfect line but cluster close together. This astronomical show isn’t rare; it can happen at least once a year. You can catch a group of four or five planets visible to the naked eye every few years, according to NASA.

Last June, a parade took place, but only two planets were easily visible. In January, six planets appeared, four of which you could see without special equipment. Now, a dim Mercury joins the lineup.

This month, you can spot Venus, Mars, and Jupiter without any aiding devices. Mercury and a faint Saturn are near the horizon, making them hard to see. For those willing to use binoculars or a telescope, Uranus and Neptune are also available for viewing.

If you want to enjoy this spectacular sight, step outside on a clear night after the sun sets. The planets will shine brighter than the stars. Look for Mars, which glows like a reddish-orange dot. Stargazing apps can guide you on where to look for each planet.

As spring approaches, the planets will begin to move away from each other, so don’t miss out on this cosmic event!