• Source:JND
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Skywatchers are in for a breathtaking celestial event as the rare alignment of seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—takes place on February 28, 2025. This planetary parade will be the last of its kind until 2040, making it a must-watch occasion for astronomy enthusiasts.

For a brief moment after sunset, all seven planets will appear in the night sky simultaneously. While some of them will be visible to the naked eye, others, like Uranus and Neptune, will require the aid of a telescope or binoculars.

NASA explains that planetary alignments occur because all planets orbit the Sun along the same plane, called the ecliptic. However, the simultaneous visibility of seven planets is a rare event. While three-planet alignments are common, five-planet alignments occur more frequently than six. Seven-planet alignments, however, are among the rarest, making this a spectacular opportunity for stargazers.

How To Witness The Planetary Alignment

To make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime event, follow these tips:

Find a Dark Sky Location – Escape light pollution by heading to an open area, a hilltop, or the countryside. 

Check the Weather Forecast – Clear skies are crucial for optimal viewing conditions. 

Use a Telescope or Binoculars – While Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn can be seen with the naked eye, Uranus and Neptune require magnification. 

Best Viewing Times – The best time to observe the alignment is right after sunset and just before dawn.

Where to Spot Each Planet in the Sky

  • Mars – Visible in the eastern sky.

  • Jupiter & Uranus – Look towards the southeast.

  • Venus, Neptune & Saturn – Best viewed in the western sky.

  • Mercury – Can be seen near the horizon shortly after sunset.

Why This Event Is Special

This seven-planet alignment will not occur again for another 15 years, making it an exceptional event for stargazers, astronomers, and space enthusiasts. The alignment offers a rare glimpse into the grand mechanics of our solar system, providing a stunning visual of how planets orbit the Sun in a shared plane.

So mark your calendars, set up your telescopes, and prepare for an unforgettable cosmic show on February 28, 2025. The next chance to see a similar planetary parade won’t come until 2040—don’t miss this rare celestial spectacle!