Something amazing is happening this February, and you don’t need a telescope to see it. Seven planets—yes, seven—will align in the night sky in a rare and breathtaking event known as a planetary parade. It’s a cosmic spectacle that doesn’t happen often, so grab a blanket and your stargazing buddies, and let’s talk about how to catch this once-in-a-decade show.
What’s a Planetary Parade, Anyway?
Think of a planetary parade like a lineup of your favorite celestial celebrities. From where we are on Earth, it will look as if seven of the planets in our solar system are marching across the sky in a neat formation. But don’t be fooled—these planets aren’t actually lined up in space. It’s all about perspective. The magic happens because we’re catching them at just the right angles to see them grouped together from our viewpoint.
- When to Watch: February 23-29, with the best nights on February 24 and 28
- Best Time: Just after sunset
- What to Bring: Binoculars, a blanket, and a stargazing app
- Planets You’ll See: Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Mercury (naked eye); Uranus and Neptune (with equipment)
Make a night of it with friends or family—this is a show you don’t want to miss!
When to Watch: Don’t Miss These Key Dates
The parade starts building up around February 23 and will last until February 29, but the best nights to watch are February 24 and February 28. Timing is crucial if you want to see all seven planets before they disappear below the horizon.
- The best time to view the planets is just after sunset. You’ll have about an hour or so to catch them before Mercury, Venus, and Saturn start to set. Don’t wait too long—planets near the horizon vanish quickly once the Sun goes down.
- On February 24, keep an eye on Mercury and Saturn. They’ll be so close to each other in the sky that they might even look like one bright star to the naked eye.
- February 28 is when the full lineup will be at its most spectacular, with all seven planets visible in the same stretch of sky.
Which Planets Can You See Without a Telescope?
Good news—you won’t need fancy equipment to enjoy this event. Here’s what you can expect to see with the naked eye:
- Venus: The brightest and easiest to spot. It’ll shine like a beacon in the western sky.
- Jupiter: Another easy target. Its bright, steady light will make it stand out from the twinkling stars.
- Mars: Look for a reddish glow—it’s faint compared to Venus and Jupiter, but unmistakable.
- Saturn and Mercury: These two will be trickier to spot since they’ll be close to the horizon, but if you have clear skies, you should be able to see them.
For Uranus and Neptune, you’ll need binoculars or a telescope. Uranus will have a bluish tint, while Neptune will appear dimmer and more distant.