For weeks, astronomers and stargazers have been excited about a visible line of planets in our solar system. While there has been speculation about a rare seven-planet alignment, NASA advises caution as not all planets will be visible to the naked eye. However, the opportunity to see multiple planets simultaneously is a rare and exciting event that only occurs every few years.
The planets in our solar system orbit the sun along the same line in a plane called the ecliptic, which is why they appear in a flat, disc-shaped plane in our sky. This alignment can create the illusion of planets closely approaching each other as they move along their orbits. Events where multiple planets are visible at once are often referred to as planetary alignments or planet parades.
In February, four planets, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus, have been visible in the night sky. Uranus and Neptune are also visible but require a telescope to see. Mercury is expected to join the alignment by the end of the month. To view the planetary alignment, stargazers should look for a dark place with a clear view of the western horizon during twilight between dawn and sunset.
Overall, while the planet alignment may not be as spectacular as some have hoped, the opportunity to witness multiple planets in the night sky is still a rare and exciting event that shouldn’t be missed.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
