This week, all seven planets are due to line up in what is known as a planetary parade, and five of them will be visible to the naked eye.
According to NASA, as the planets in our Solar System orbit the sun, there are instances where they will line up in space. When this occurs, the planets appear along a line or an arc due to the way they are viewed from Earth, NASA adds.
Whilst planetary parades of four or five planets happen relatively regularly, alignments of six or seven are rare. After this week, the next planetary parade isn’t expected until 2040.
Currently, six planets are already aligned in the night sky. However, you’ll have to wait until Friday, February 28 for Mercury to appear just above the horizon, and complete the line-up.
Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Mercury will be aligned, however you will need a telescope or binoculars to see Nepture and Uranus. But if you’re hoping to see the rest of the planets, experts recommend trying to witness the parade just after sunset, when the stars begin to appear in the sky.
Speaking to The Independent, Dr Christopher Barnes, a senior lecturer at the University of Derby, said: “Mars will appear in the east, Jupiter and Uranus in the southeast, and Venus, Neptune, and Saturn in the west.”
“Even people in cities and light-polluted areas will be able to see most of the planets, but for the best views, it is advisable to find a darker location. Almost all the planets will be visible to the naked eye, except for Uranus and Neptune, which will require binoculars or a telescope.”
But you’ll need to be quick, Dr Edward Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich told the BBC: “You really only have a few minutes after sunset to catch them before they drop below the horizon.” However, “you’ll still be able to see Venus, Jupiter and Mars clearly for a much longer time.”
He added that if you want the best chances of seeing the planets, you need to allow your eyes to adjust to the night sky.
“If you just pop out of your kitchen into your back garden, you will take time to adjust to the light levels. Give it a bit of time – your eyes take about half an hour to fully adjust,” said Dr Bloomer.
“Avoid looking at your phone, get comfortable, and ensure you have an unobstructed view of the horizon.”
Dr Barnes also said that looking at the planets can have some surprising wellbeing benefits.
“Engaging with the night sky encourages mindfulness, allowing individuals to momentarily detach from daily stresses and immerse themselves in the present moment. This practice can foster a sense of peace, restoration and perspective,” he explained.