Known as a planetary parade, the event will make Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Uranus, and Neptune visible.
Taking place shortly after sunset on Saturday, February 28, at least four of the six planets will be visible to the naked eye.
Here is everything you need to know about the rare planetary parade taking place in February.
What is a planetary parade?
Referred to as either a planetary parade or a planetary alignment, the rare celestial event takes place when multiple planets are visible in the night sky at the same time, according to BBC Sky at Night.
Together, the planets are visible as a ‘line’ across the sky, as the BBC Sky at Night explains: “There is an imaginary line that the path of the Sun traces across the daytime sky, and this is known as the ‘ecliptic’.
“The ecliptic is due to the fact that Earth and all the other Solar System planets formed out of the same flat disc of gas and dust that once surrounded our infant Sun.
“This means the planets in the Solar System all occupy roughly the same orbital plane – Earth included – and therefore all more or less follow the line of the ecliptic in the sky.”
How to see the planetary parade in February
The planetary parade will take place shortly after sunset on Saturday, February 28.
Stargazers will be able to see the following planets:
- Venus
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Mercury
- Uranus
- Neptune
Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury will be visible using the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will need a telescope to see them.
Visibility of the six planets is weather conditions permitting.
Tips for getting the most out of stargazing
National Geographic has shared some tips for anyone who wants to go stargazing.
It said: “The ideal stargazing locations are far from city lights, with unobstructed views of the horizon.
“Mountains, moorlands, deserts and remote islands are good choices, thanks to their isolation, clear conditions and lack of light pollution.
“Winter is the best time of year because there are longer hours of darkness, and the air tends to be clearer (astronomers call this ‘good seeing’).”
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It added: “Night-time temperatures can drop significantly, especially in desert or mountain locations. Dress in layers and bring a good pair of finger-flap gloves and a hat, even in warmer climates.
“Though your eyes are all you really need, binoculars on a tripod can be surprisingly effective and cost-friendly for observing nearby objects like our moon and the rings of Saturn.
“There are a range of augmented-reality apps, like SkyView or Stellarium, to help you identify stars, planets and constellations by pointing your phone at the sky.”
