A cosmic “parade” with all seven planets of our Solar System that will be visible in the sky, simultaneously and “aligned” on the same side with respect to the earth. An exceptional event that will be staged on the evening of Friday 28 February, and which will repeat itself next time in 15 years, in 2040.
Planets alignment February 28, 2025
Eyes to the sky then: shortly after the sunset it will be possible to admire Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, the planets will be “aligned”, obviously not literally in a straight line. Mercury, Neptune and Saturn will all be very close to the horizon in the early hours of the evening, in particular Neptune and Saturn will be difficult to identify with the twilight. Uranus will also be difficult to see, at least without the help of binoculars. Venus, Jupiter and Mars, on the other hand, will all be very easy to observe to the naked eye. Obviously, those who have a telescope or other similar tools will be able to enjoy the best of the show, but it is also important to choose a good observation point. A place without obstacles is advisable, such as trees, houses or hills, aimed at the west: the ideal would be to observe from the coast, overlooking the West.
How to see the “planetary parade”
The time slot in which all seven planets will be present simultaneously in the sky goes from 18 to 19, for this reason it is important to also know the time of sunset in your location so as to have a more specific reference for the beginning of the observation. It will not be too difficult to identify the planets of the sky, above all following the indications of Gianluca Masi, astrophysicist and responsible for the Virtual Telescope Project: “After the sunset it is necessary to point the binoculars where the sun has disappeared. While the twilight fades and the sky darkens, we will have to be able to trace Mercury, the planet who had remained in the other, Already for several weeks, discreetly bright. Planetarium, which will obviously also participate the earth, in the foreground and under our feet “.
Tonight’s show will also be completed by the presence of a subtle moon sickle that can be observed next to Saturn. The “planetary parade” will also be visible in live streaming on the Virtual Telescope Project website. The appointment is for Friday 28 February at 6 pm: the live broadcast, conducted by the astrophysicist Gianluca Masi, founder and responsible for the project from its Manciano (Grosseto) station, will be as usual free and accessible smartphones, tablets and PCs.