Rare 'Planetary Parade' to Grace the Night Sky This Week

TDT | Manama

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Skywatchers across the globe are in for a celestial treat this week as seven planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn—align in the evening sky. This rare astronomical phenomenon, known as a 'planetary parade,' will be visible briefly just after sunset from Tuesday to Friday.

The last time a planetary alignment of this magnitude was so clearly visible was years ago, and the next opportunity will not occur until 2040. This makes it a must-watch event for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts.

When and How to Watch

The best chance to catch this breathtaking display will be shortly after sunset on February 27, 28, and 29. However, the window to observe all seven planets together will be brief, particularly for Saturn and Mercury, which will be close to the horizon and quickly set after the Sun.

Four of the planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars—will be visible to the naked eye, with Venus and Jupiter shining the brightest. Mars will appear as a distinct reddish dot in the night sky. Saturn, though dimmer, may be spotted near the horizon if conditions allow. For the more distant Uranus and Neptune, a telescope will be necessary to view them clearly.

Dr. Edward Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, described this as "a rare opportunity to have seven planets in essentially a convenient place for you to look for them."

To enhance your chances of seeing them all, Dr. Bloomer advises heading to a location with minimal light pollution and a clear, unobstructed view of the horizon. "If you just pop out into your back garden, you will take time to adjust to the light levels. Give it a bit of time—your eyes take about half an hour to fully adjust," he said. He also recommends avoiding bright screens, such as smartphones, which can hinder night vision.

The Science Behind the Spectacle

While the planets appear aligned from Earth's perspective, they remain separated by vast distances in space. This optical illusion occurs because all planets orbit the Sun within roughly the same plane but at different speeds. Occasionally, they seem to line up in a visually striking manner, creating a stunning celestial event.

Will the Weather Cooperate?

Current weather forecasts indicate that while early-week conditions may be unsettled, clearer skies are expected as the week progresses.

• Tuesday: Clear spells early in the evening, with cloud and rain moving in from the west later.

• Wednesday: Cloudier skies with occasional showers, making visibility uncertain.

• Thursday: Drier and clearer skies in the evening, though mist and fog patches may form later.

• Friday: The peak of the planetary parade is expected under mostly clear skies, offering the best viewing conditions. However, mist and fog may develop later at night.

For the best experience, aim to view the planets as soon after sunset as possible, when visibility will be at its peak.

A Rare Chance to Connect with the Cosmos

Astronomers encourage people to take advantage of this unique event and cultivate an interest in the night sky beyond just this week. "See how things change," Dr. Bloomer suggested, adding that planetary movements offer a fascinating look into the mechanics of our solar system.

Whether you're an experienced stargazer or simply curious about the cosmos, this planetary parade is a spectacle not to be missed. So, mark your calendars, find a good viewing spot, and enjoy this once-in-a-generation celestial show!