Don’t Miss Tonight: Minnesota’s Ultimate Opportunity to Witness the Rare Alignment of Seven Planets!

Tonight, take a moment to step outside after sunset and gaze at the sky. You’ll be treated to a rare sight as five bright planets—Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Saturn—align in a stunning arc. Even the fainter planets, Neptune and Uranus, will be part of this spectacular lineup.

Normally, we might catch one or two planets in a row, but seven is quite a treat. The next similar event won’t happen until October 2028, so don’t miss out!

Planetary alignments occur when planets gather on one side of the sun, making them visible from Earth in the night sky. This winter, we’ve already seen six planets, and now Mercury is joining the party.

“Mercury has always been the missing party in the evening,” says Bob King, a night sky enthusiast from Duluth. He emphasizes that tonight, February 24, is the best time to view this phenomenon in Minnesota. Tomorrow night might also offer a good glimpse.

Spotting all seven planets won’t be easy. The right conditions—a clear sky and a good view of the horizon—are key. However, with effort, it’s possible. You’ll see five planets with just your eyes if you find a dark spot free from light pollution. For the two distant planets, Neptune and Uranus, binoculars or a telescope will help you see them better.

In Minnesota, start by looking at the west-southwest horizon for Mercury and Saturn. They’ll look like a pair of eyes peeking just above the horizon. But you’ll need to act fast—the planets set an hour after the sun goes down. So grab your binoculars, find a spot with a clear view, and enjoy this cosmic display!

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