Skywatchers can look forward to a rare celestial event this week as seven planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn—will briefly align in the evening sky.
Known as a “planetary parade,” this phenomenon is an infrequent spectacle, with the next opportunity to see seven planets simultaneously so clearly not occurring until 2040.
The best viewing window will be shortly after sunset on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Four of the planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars—can be seen with the naked eye, while Saturn will be more challenging due to its low position on the horizon. Uranus and Neptune will require a telescope for visibility.
According to Dr. Edward Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, this alignment presents a unique chance to observe multiple planets in a single glance. However, Saturn and Mercury will set quickly after the Sun, making them the hardest to spot.
“Your best opportunity is in the minutes following sunset before they dip below the horizon. Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will remain visible for much longer,” Dr. Bloomer explained.
The planets orbit the Sun along roughly the same plane as Earth. As they travel at different speeds and distances, they occasionally appear to align from our perspective, creating a striking visual display, even though they remain separated by vast distances in space.
Venus and Jupiter will be the easiest to identify due to their brightness, while Mars will have a distinctive reddish glow. Uranus is technically visible to the naked eye, but only under perfect conditions.
For the best viewing experience, Dr. Bloomer recommends finding a location with an unobstructed horizon and minimal light pollution. He also suggests allowing time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness and avoiding phone screens.
Weather conditions will play a crucial role in visibility. Tuesday evening will start clear before clouds and rain move in from the west. Wednesday is expected to be cloudier with scattered showers, but Thursday should offer clearer skies earlier in the night.
By Friday, when the planetary parade reaches its peak, high pressure is forecasted to bring mostly dry conditions with clear spells. Viewing just after sunset is ideal, as mist and fog may develop later in the night.
