02/26/2025
On February 28, 2025, the night sky will feature a stunning seven-planet alignment with Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn—a rare event that won’t occur again until 2040.
Where & How to Spot Each Planet
Mars: Start by looking toward the eastern sky after sunset. You’ll recognize Mars by its distinct reddish glow. It will be high and easy to spot without any equipment.
Jupiter: Look overhead for Jupiter, one of the brightest objects in the night sky. It will shine with a bright white light, making it hard to miss.
Uranus: Close to Jupiter in the sky, but much fainter. Use binoculars to catch a glimpse of this bluish-green dot. A dark sky with minimal light pollution will help.
Venus: As the brightest planet, Venus will stand out just after sunset in the western sky. It will shine brightly and be impossible to miss.
Neptune: Much harder to spot—look slightly above and to the left of Venus. You’ll need a telescope to see this distant, faint blue planet.
Mercury: Appearing low on the western horizon shortly after sunset, Mercury will be tricky to spot due to its proximity to the Sun. Act fast—it will set quickly.
Saturn: Look just above Mercury in the western sky. Like Mercury, Saturn will also set soon after sunset, so you’ll need to be quick to catch it.
Viewing Tips
Start observing immediately after sunset to catch Mercury and Saturn before they drop below the horizon.
Choose a location with a clear view of the western horizon and minimal light pollution for the best experience.
While Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, and Saturn can be seen with the naked eye, use binoculars for Uranus and a telescope for Neptune.
This rare cosmic event offers a chance to see our solar system like never before. Mark your calendar for February 28, 2025—you won’t see this planetary parade again until September 8, 2040, so don’t miss out on this incredible night under the stars.
