Don’t Miss: Six Planets Align for a Stunning February Night Sky Event

NEW YORK — As February draws to a close, a spectacular celestial event is set to grace the night sky, with six planets aligning in a breathtaking display. Most of these planets will be visible without the aid of telescopes.

This phenomenon, known as a planetary parade, occurs when several planets appear to align in the sky at the same time. Although they aren’t perfectly aligned in a straight line, they cluster together on one side of the sun, creating an impressive sight.

Typically, stargazers can observe two or three planets around sunset, according to NASA. However, occasions where four or five planets are visible to the naked eye are rarer, happening only every few years. Last year, skywatchers were treated to the sight of six and even all seven planets lining up.

When will they be visible?

This Saturday, those with clear skies will be able to see Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn without any equipment. For a glimpse of Uranus and Neptune, binoculars or telescopes will be necessary.

What time is optimal for viewing?

To enjoy this cosmic event, step outside about an hour after sunset and find a location free from obstructive buildings and trees. Direct your gaze toward the western sky to find Mercury, Venus, and Saturn near the horizon. Higher up, Jupiter will be visible, along with Uranus and Neptune, for those with the right tools.

How to know if you’ve spied a member of the parade?

“If it’s twinkling, it’s a star. If it is not twinkling, it’s a planet,” said planetary scientist Sara Mazrouei with Humber Polytechnic in Canada.

The parade should be visible over the weekend and in the days after. Eventually, Mercury will bow out and dip below the horizon.

At least one bright planet is visible on most nights, according to NASA.

Glimpsing many in the sky at once is a fun way to connect with astronomers of centuries’ past, said planetary scientist Emily Elizondo with Michigan State University.

Ancient astronomers used to make sense of the universe “just by looking up at the stars and the planets,” Elizondo said, “which is something that we can do today.”

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