News of an unusual planetary parade has recently made headlines, prompting people across the globe to wonder how they could witness the celestial spectacle this week.
Venus, Jupiter and Saturn and Mars can all be seen in the sky with the naked eye normally, but Stargazers are now in for a treat as they can see Uranus and Neptune too.
People were last month advised they may have the chance to spot these six planets during February. However, stargazers may now have the chance to see the planets joined by Mercury for one night, creating an uncommon seven-planet alignment, which will not be seen again until 2040.
Here is what you need to know about how to spot the rare seven-planet alignment – weather permitting.
What is a planetary alignment?
The eight major planets in our Solar System orbit the sun on the same flat plane but at vastly different speeds. Mercury, being the closest to the sun, completes an orbit in only 88 days, compared with Earth’s 365-day year. In stark contrast, Neptune, the farthest planet from the sun, takes a staggering 60,190 days – equivalent to 165 Earth years – to complete a single revolution.
When their orbits align just right, we can observe multiple planets in the night sky simultaneously. In particularly rare events, all eight planets may line up in such a way that they appear in our night sky together, following the ecliptic – the sun's apparent path through the sky.
Preston Dyches, from Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), emphasised that this so-called "alignment" is not as unique as it may sound.
"While it's true that they will appear more or less along a line across the sky, that's what planets always do," he said on the JPL website. "That line is called the ecliptic, and it represents the plane of the Solar System where the planets orbit around the sun."
Nevertheless, these celestial events are relatively uncommon. According to CBC, the next significant planetary alignment visible from Earth is not expected until 2040, making this month's alignment a special opportunity for stargazers.
When and how to see seven planets line up over UK skies
Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury and Saturn will be visible among the stars on Friday simultaneously - between sunset and 6.30pm, after which Saturn sets.
It is such a rare spectacle, that the next planetary alignment visible from Earth is not expected until 2040.
The Met Office has previously advised that clear skies significantly increase the chances of spotting different planetary alignments in the coming weeks - and forecasts show England and Wales will have the clearest skies in the country on Friday night.
On February 28, the planets should be able to be seen in an arc shape.
At this time, Mercury and Saturn will be the first to dip below the horizon, followed by Neptune and Venus shortly afterwards. According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, Venus, and Jupiter should be easy to spot as bright-white points of light. Mars will appear as a distinct orange dot, while Uranus may prove more elusive, requiring either exceptionally dark skies or a telescope to bring it into view.
“Venus, the evening star, is really bright, while Mars is high in the southern sky, between the constellations of Orion and Gemini and Jupiter is also high in the south”, Ms Lee said.
She added it is possible to spot all three with just your eyes, even from a place like the capital.
“Uranus is really close to Jupiter but is so faint that most people would need a telescope. Saturn is just above the horizon as the Sun is setting, so you might be able to see it if you have a clear view of the western horizon”, Jessica Lee, astronomer education officer at the Royal Greenwich Observatory in London, said.
“While telescopes are ideal, binoculars can also be useful tools for observing the alignment, provided they are available. Scientists recommend stargazing from a location far removed from city lights to minimise light pollution and maximise visibility.”
Ms Lee added: “You’ll have to have a telescope to see Neptune but Mercury is just visible where the Sun is setting for a short period of time.”
For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance on viewing conditions, astronomers suggest consulting reliable astronomy websites as the event approaches. Websites such as Time and Date, Stellarium and the Sky Tonight mobile app can all help you access times and sky locations, depending on where you are in the world. There are a good list of other options for your phone, too.
