This weekend, skywatchers will be treated to a remarkable celestial display as six planets align for a rare astronomical event. Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, Mercury, Neptune, and Uranus will all be visible simultaneously in the night sky, although spotting Neptune and Uranus may require binoculars or a telescope.
In anticipation of this planetary parade, NASA has unveiled new sonifications from its Chandra X-ray Observatory, converting astronomical data into sound for Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. Dr. Megan Argo, a reader in astrophysics at the University of Lancashire, explained that this extraordinary alignment occurs because the planets’ orbits have positioned them in close proximity from our perspective on Earth. The varying speeds at which the planets orbit the sun mean that their positions against the backdrop of stars change constantly. Hence, while it is not uncommon to see four or five planets together, observing six is a much rarer occurrence.
Dr. Argo noted that the last time all seven planets were visible at once was last year, with the next similar alignment not anticipated until 2040. On February 28th and the days surrounding it, all six planets will become visible, although Mercury may become more challenging to locate as the week progresses. Thankfully, both Jupiter and Venus will be easy to spot in the coming months.
For optimal viewing, enthusiasts are encouraged to venture outside in the early evening—around 5:45 PM in the UK and 6:00 PM in the US—seeking a location with an unobstructed view of the western sky. The planets will form a curved line across the sky, with Jupiter standing high in the southeast. In the western horizon, Mercury, Saturn, Neptune, and Venus will appear clustered together, with Venus shining as the brightest of the group. Mercury will be faint to its right, while Saturn and Neptune will be positioned slightly above.
Uranus will be less visible, located beneath the cluster of stars known as the Seven Sisters, though stargazing apps can assist in locating this distant planet. Dr. Argo emphasized the importance of avoiding looking directly at the sun through binoculars or telescopes to protect one’s eyesight.
Dr. Ed Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, added that the spectacle would also be observable in the southern hemisphere, albeit in a reversed pattern. In Australia, Jupiter will be visible in the northern sky, with Uranus positioned in the north-west. Given the later sunset times in Australia, viewers should go outside after 6:45 PM local time; however, Mercury’s low position makes it unlikely to be spotted.
This celestial event is further enhanced by the moon’s presence in the sky during the next few days, providing an amazing opportunity for enthusiasts and curious observers alike to enjoy a glimpse of our visible solar system. This alignment not only marks a unique astronomical occasion but also serves as a reminder of the wonders that our universe holds, inviting everyone to engage with the night sky in an inspiring way.