At the end of February, a special event will light up the night sky: six planets will align, offering a stunning view for skywatchers. This phenomenon is called a planetary parade. Though the planets won’t form a perfect line, they will gather on one side of the sun, making them easier to see.
According to NASA, spotting two or three planets after sunset is quite common. However, seeing four or five planets together is rare, usually happening only a few times a year. Last year, skywatchers enjoyed a parade featuring all seven planets.
So, when can you catch this celestial show? On a Saturday evening, if the sky is clear, expect to see Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn with your own eyes. Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope to spot.
For the best experience, head outside about an hour after sunset. Find a spot away from tall buildings and trees to get a clear view. Look toward the western sky. You’ll find Mercury, Venus, and Saturn low on the horizon, while Jupiter will be higher up, alongside Uranus and Neptune.
Not sure if what you see is a planet? Planetary scientist Sara Mazrouei has a tip: “If it’s twinkling, it’s a star. If it isn’t, it’s a planet.” Look out for this parade over the weekend and in the days following. Just keep an eye on Mercury, as it will soon dip below the horizon.
Interestingly, many bright planets are visible on most nights. This parade offers a unique chance to connect with ancient astronomers, who also looked to the night sky for answers. Emily Elizondo, a planetary scientist at Michigan State University, reminds us that they made sense of our universe “just by looking up at the stars and the planets.” We can still do that today.
For those interested in astronomy, recent statistics from a 2022 survey by the National Science Foundation noted that around 60% of Americans engage in stargazing at least once a year. This shows a growing interest in our universe, illustrating how timeless the wonders of the night sky remain.
Explore more about planetary alignments and stargazing tips from NASA [here](https://www.nasa.gov). Happy skywatching!
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