Summary: On February 28, witness a rare celestial event as all seven planets align for a breathtaking planetary parade—your last chance to see it until 2040. Find out how and when to watch.
Skywatchers, get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime celestial spectacle! On February 28, 2025, all seven planets of our solar system will align in the night sky for the grand finale of a rare planetary parade—the last one until 2040.
The phenomenon, which began in January 2025, saw Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune align between January 21 and 29. Now, for one final breathtaking moment, Mercury will join the lineup, marking the only seven-planet alignment for the next 15 years.
What Is Planetary Alignment?
Planetary alignment occurs when planets gather on the same side of the Sun at the same time. Contrary to artistic depictions, the planets won’t form a perfect straight line but will appear in the same general region of the sky along the ecliptic plane.
NASA explains:
“While it’s true that planets will appear more or less along a line across the sky, that’s what they always do. The ecliptic represents the plane of the solar system in which the planets orbit around the Sun.”
How Rare Is This Event?
- Three-planet alignments are common.
- Five-planet alignments occur more frequently than six.
- Six-planet alignments are rare.
- Seven-planet alignments are among the rarest celestial events, making February 28 a must-watch occasion.
How to See the Planetary Parade
To witness this extraordinary event:
✔ Find a dark sky location – Avoid city lights by heading to an open area, hilltop, or countryside.
✔ Check the weather forecast – Clear skies are essential for visibility.
✔ Use a telescope or binoculars – While most planets will be visible to the naked eye, Uranus and Neptune require magnification.
✔ Best viewing times – Right after sunset and before dawn offer the clearest views.
Where to Spot Each Planet in the Sky
🔴 Mars – Appears in the eastern sky.
🟡 Jupiter & Uranus – Look southeast.
🟠 Venus, Neptune & Saturn – Best viewed in the western sky.
Why February 28 Is So Special
January 2025 featured a partial planetary parade and the Quadrantid meteor shower, but February offers a once-in-a-generation celestial masterpiece. If you miss this event, you’ll have to wait until 2040 for a similar alignment.
So, mark your calendars, set up your telescopes, and don’t miss your final chance to witness this extraordinary planetary parade! 🌌
