A little more than a month after the end of February, a planétaire challenge is scheduled.
If you missed the January spectacular, don’t miss it either. Here’s what you need to know and how to view it.
Planét alignment on February 28
According to Starwalk, planetary alignment occurs when multiple planets congregate near on one side of the sun at the same time.room.
NASA claims that although the occurrence is sometimes referred to as a “planetary parade” or a “parade of planets,” these are not astronomical terms.
What is the process of planetary alignment?
The ecliptic, as it is known on Earth, is the orbital plane that the planets follow as they orbit the sun, eventually catching up to one another. According to Space.com, the line will not be exactly straight, but once the planets meet, it appears as though they are aligned as they travel toward Earth.
Depending on how far away each planet is from the sun, the alignment will only last a short while because each planet moves at a distinct speed. This explains why there aren’t always the same number of planets in planetary alignments.
- When two or more planets approach one another in the sky, it’s called a conjunction.
- Three planets make constitute a mini-planetary alignment.
- Four planets make up a minor planetary alignment.
- Five or six planets make constitute a big planetary alignment.
- All of the planets in the solar system, as well as occasionally Pluto, are included in a grand or full planetary alignment.
How to observe the February 28 planetary alignment
According to Starwalk.space, shortly after sunset on the evening of February 28, Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars will align in the sky.
Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Mars are the only four of these seven planets that can be seen with the unaided eye. You’ll need a telescope or powerful binoculars to see Neptune and Uranus. Due to its close proximity to the sun, Saturn will be the most challenging planet to see. Make sure there aren’t any towering buildings or mountains around for the finest view.
Globally, the spectacle will typically be at its best on February 28, though the best time to see it may differ based on where you are. During this alignment on February 25, the planets are visible on the East Coast in the 157-degree sky sector, which is the smallest sector of the sky.
Alignments of planets in 2025
There are two further occasions during the year when you can see several planets at once after the planetary alignment in February, including:
- Neptune, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus will align in the morning on April 15.
- Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn will align in the morning on August 11.
