A rare celestial event is happening tonight, February 28, 2025, as seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—align in a spectacular display known as a planet parade. This alignment offers a unique opportunity for skywatchers around the world, especially in the United States, where visibility is expected to be optimal.

According to NASA, NASA describes the phenomenon as a visual line-of-sight effect, occurring when multiple planets gather closely on one side of the Sun. "Planet parade" is not an official astronomical term, but it is commonly used to describe such rare occurrences involving four or more planets.

Observers are advised to look toward the southwestern sky shortly after sunset for the best viewing conditions. The ideal time to catch this parade of planets is within 30 minutes after the sun goes down. Mars, Jupiter, and Venus will be the easiest to identify, given their brightness and position in the sky, while Saturn and Mercury may be challenging to spot as they appear low on the horizon, according to sources from Forbes.

Although five planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) can be viewed with the naked eye, spotting Uranus and Neptune will require a telescope or binoculars. According to Dr. Edward Bloomer, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, "You really only have a few minutes after sunset to catch them before they drop below the horizon," highlighting the fleeting nature of this cosmic display.

Clear skies and minimal light pollution will significantly enhance viewing experiences. Recommended locations include dark parks and observatories, which often hold special events for such occasions. Astronomers also suggest utilizing mobile apps equipped with motion-sensing technology to help identify specific planets in the sky, as noted in an article from Newsweek.

This planetary parade is particularly special as it marks one of the last such opportunities until 2040. Observers who miss this event will need to wait years before experiencing another similar alignment of all seven planets. The next chance for a major planetary parade featuring a significant number of planets will occur in late August 2025, although it won't include Mars.

Don't miss this breathtaking display; it’s a chance to witness the wonders of our solar system firsthand!

For more details on the event, visit LA Times.