On February 28, a rare sight will light up the evening sky: a planetary parade. People across the US can catch a glimpse of this stunning celestial event just after sunset.
NASA reports that six planets may be visible for several days, allowing stargazers to enjoy this spectacle just a month after a similar event. “While they may seem like bright stars, remember that each is a world of its own, with unique landscapes, weather, and moons,” notes NASA Solar System.
This planetary gathering will feature Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. However, not all seven planets will be easily seen. Neptune and Uranus will require powerful binoculars or a telescope. Saturn might also be tricky to spot since it will be near the sun, according to StarWalk.
A planetary alignment occurs when several planets gather on one side of the sun. Astronomers refer to these events as “planet parades” because the planets seem to march in a line across the night sky. Last month, a similar alignment featured six planets.
But there’s more to look forward to! Astronomers are eagerly anticipating another celestial event. The “Blaze Star,” a binary star system named T Coronae Borealis, could become visible soon after a nova explosion. Located in the Northern Crown constellation, this star system brightens roughly every 80 years, with the last explosion recorded in 1946. When it erupts, it should be seen without a telescope, as noted by NPR.
While a specific date for this explosion isn’t confirmed, Pamela Gay, a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute, suggests it might happen soon. “We’ve been waiting for this star to flare up for months. It’s starting to show signs,” she stated.
As the date approaches, many space enthusiasts will be looking up to enjoy the beauty of the planets aligning in the night sky.
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