Skywatchers are in for a rare celestial spectacle this week as seven planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn—will align and briefly become visible in the evening sky. This phenomenon, known as a ‘planetary parade,’ is an extraordinary event, and it will be the last time all seven planets will be seen together so clearly until 2040. The optimal time to observe this planetary alignment will be just after sunset on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. A clear view of the horizon and minimal light pollution will greatly enhance visibility. However, the window to see all seven planets at once will be very short. Dr. Edward Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, emphasized the significance of this event: “There’s a rare opportunity to have seven planets in essentially a convenient place for you to look for them.” As the sun sets, Saturn and Mercury will follow closely, making them particularly difficult to spot. “You only have a few minutes after sunset to catch them before they drop below the horizon. After that, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will remain visible for a much longer period,” Dr. Bloomer added.
The planets in our solar system orbit the Sun on roughly the same flat plane as Earth. Because they travel at different speeds and distances, there are moments when they appear to align from our perspective, creating a stunning visual display—though they remain separated by vast distances in space. Venus and Jupiter will be the easiest to locate due to their brightness, while Mars will stand out with its distinctive reddish hue. Uranus, technically visible to the naked eye under perfect conditions, will require exceptional eyesight and ideal viewing conditions. A telescope will be necessary to spot Neptune and Uranus clearly. To maximize your chances of seeing all seven planets, find a location with an unobstructed view of the horizon, avoid areas with heavy light pollution, allow your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness—avoid looking at phone screens during this time, get comfortable and enjoy the view! Dr. Bloomer encourages everyone to make stargazing a regular habit: “Observing the night sky is a chance to witness the ongoing mechanics of the solar system at work.” The weather will play a crucial role in visibility this week: Tuesday starts with clear skies, but cloud and rain may develop later. Wednesday brings cloudier conditions with occasional showery rain. Thursday is expected to be drier and clearer earlier in the evening, though mist and fog may develop later. Friday is expected to have mostly dry conditions with clear spells due to high pressure, with the best viewing time soon after sunset as mist and fog could form later in the night. Four planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars—will be visible to the naked eye. Saturn, sitting low on the horizon, may be more challenging to see. A telescope will be required to spot the more distant Uranus and Neptune. This planetary parade presents a unique opportunity to witness a rare cosmic alignment. Make the most of it by heading outdoors, looking up, and enjoying the wonders of our solar system!
