Planetary alignment
Mercury will join the other six planets in the night sky on 28 February making a full alignment in the sky. But by this time, Mercury and Saturn will only be visible during twilight in the southen states, making it hard to see all the planets at once.
- What to expect:
A "planet parade" occurs when multiple planets appear in a row in the night sky, which is a natural phenomenon, not a rare event. - When to look:
The best time to see the planets in alignment is around sunset, as they will be visible for a few hours before they set below the horizon. - Which planets to look for:
You should be able to see Venus, Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter with the naked eye, and Uranus and Neptune with binoculars or a telescope. - Where to look:
Look in the western sky shortly after sunset, as the planets will be low in the sky. - Tips for viewing:
- Find a location with minimal light pollution for the best view.
- Look for a clear view of the horizon, as the planets will be low in the sky.
- Get out early, as Venus and Saturn will only be visible for a short time after sunset.
- The moon will be waning after January 21st, which will help with visibility.