Parade of planets: Multiple celestial bodies will be visible to the naked eye in February

February Night Sky to Showcase Parade of Planets

Astronomers are predicting a spectacular celestial event in the night sky throughout February, with multiple planets aligning in what is being called a “parade of planets.” This rare phenomenon will be visible to the naked eye, allowing skywatchers to witness the beauty of our solar system in action.

According to NASA, planetary alignments are not uncommon, but the opportunity to see several planets simultaneously without the aid of a telescope is a special occurrence.

The alignment of planets is a result of their orbits around the sun, which lie in a relatively flat plane. When viewed from Earth, this alignment creates the illusion of planets lined up in the night sky.

During the month of February, stargazers will be treated to the sight of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn shining brightly in the night sky. While Neptune and Uranus will also be part of the lineup, they will require a telescope to be seen.

Philip Langill, director of the University of Calgary’s Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, explains that four planets will be visible to the naked eye simultaneously after sunset throughout February, with the display starting in mid-January.

Langill notes that Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be easily visible to the naked eye, while Mercury’s visibility may vary due to its rapid movement. To distinguish planets from stars without optical aids, observers should look for the brightest objects in the sky.

“As the sun sets and the sky darkens, the planets will stand out as the brightest objects in the sky,” Langill explains. “Unlike stars, planets do not twinkle and appear as round, steady points of light.”

While all seven planets can potentially be seen on a given night with the use of a telescope, Mercury and Saturn may be challenging to spot simultaneously with the other planets. Saturn’s position in the sky will gradually lower each night, while Mercury will be visible in the post-sunset glow towards the end of the month.

According to NASA, the peak of the planetary parade will occur shortly after sunset on February 28, offering a stunning display of our celestial neighbors in the night sky.