A rare planetary parade featuring seven planets Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn is visible after sunset on February 28, 2025.
Skywatchers will not see this stunning alignment again until 2040, making it a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
What is Seven-Planet Alignment?
This rare event is a planetary parade, where all seven planets Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn align temporarily on the same side of the Sun.
According to The Citizen, South Africans have a rare opportunity to witness a stunning cosmic display, with the planets clearly visible after sunset.
For exact planetary positions and real-time sky maps based on your location, use the interactive tools at timeanddate.com.
While Uranus and Neptune are too faint to be visible with the naked eye and require a telescope.
The remaining five planets are easily visible without any equipment.
The planetary alignment can be seen from locations around the world.
Those with clear skies and an unobstructed view of the western horizon after sunset will have the best chance to observe it.
For optimal viewing, areas with minimal light pollution are recommended.
When did it start?
According to the BBC, the alignment began to take shape in December 2024.
It became noticeable to skywatchers around February 23, 2025, as the planets moved closer together.
The alignment peaked on February 25, 2025, with February 28, 2025, being the last day to see all seven planets together.
After this date, Mercury and Venus will dip below the horizon, breaking the full seven-planet visibility.
The remaining planets will still be visible for a short time but will gradually drift apart.
This planetary parade is significant because alignments of seven planets are rare.
According to NASA, while planetary alignments are not unusual, this event offers a chance to witness, the planets in perfect alignment.
This alignment, which has no significant gravitational effects on Earth, won’t occur with such clarity again until 2040.
It offers a rare chance to reflect on our solar system’s vastness and spark curiosity about the universe.
Tonight is one of the last chances to see all seven planets before they begin to disperse.
Will you be watching the planetary parade?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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