A rare 7-planet alignment is happening in February – here's how to see it
For the first time in 15 years, seven planets will align in the night sky later this month – and it’s a celestial spectacle you won’t want to miss.
On 28 February, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn will form a dazzling planetary parade. While alignments of four or five planets aren’t uncommon, this rare configuration of seven won’t happen again until 2040.
Six planets are already in formation, but stargazers will have to wait for Mercury to appear just above the horizon to complete the line-up.
"The best time to witness the event is just after sunset," Dr Christopher Barnes, senior lecturer at the University of Derby, told The Independent. "Mars will appear in the east, Jupiter and Uranus in the southeast, and Venus, Neptune, and Saturn in the west."
While most planets will be visible to the naked eye, Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope.
"Even people in cities and light-polluted areas will be able to see most of the planets, but for the best views, it’s advisable to find a darker location," Dr Barnes added.
Aside from being a breathtaking sight, stargazing can also be a great mood booster. "Engaging with the night sky encourages mindfulness, allowing individuals to momentarily detach from daily stresses and immerse themselves in the present moment," he continued.
If you miss this alignment, there will be another celestial show. The next major planetary alignment of five or more planets will happen in October 2028, followed by another in February 2034.
But a seven-planet spectacle like this? That won’t happen again for another 15 years – so set a reminder, find a dark spot, and look to the sky.
If you're new to stargazing, don't forget to read our beginner's guide, with tips from an astronomer.
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