The "parade of planets" is a celestial event where multiple planets, from Mars to Saturn, align in the night sky. This alignment is currently visible and will continue into February 2025.
It's not too late to see the planet parade. Stargazers will be able to see four or five planets in the night sky with their naked eye this month. A rare seven-planet alignment will reportedly be visible for one night only in some places.
According to NASA, on most clear nights people can see at least one bright planet in the sky. (A few planets on the edge of the solar system almost always require a telescope to see.) When four or five are visible at the same time, it's sometimes called a planet parade or planetary alignment. They're not very rare, but they don't happen every year.
According to StarWalk, all seven other planets will line up on Feb. 28, and it won't happen again this decade. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Mars will reportedly be easily visible, but seeing Uranus and Neptune will be trickier and you'll need binoculars or a telescope. Seeing Saturn will reportedly be the most difficult.
Even if you can't see the seven-planet parade where you are, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Venus and Saturn will be visible through Feb. 26 in Jackson, according to the Sky Tonight app. (Mercury and Saturn could potentially be low and faint.)
Here's what you need to know about planet parades and what you can see in Mississippi when.
According to NASA, planets always appear in a line in the sky. The planets rotate around the sun basically in a disc-shaped track. Earth sees other planets from a perspective like one runner among several on a track.
The term alignment can also apply to oppositions, conjunctions and other lineups including the moon or bright starts.
What makes a planet easy or hard to see?
The issue is mostly about how high over the horizon a planet is, according to NASA. Ten degrees or higher over the horizon is usually best for people to be able to see it without equipment, and it can be hard to see a planet if it's low in the glow of sunrise or sunset.
Which planets are easiest to see?
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are the brightest, according to NASA. Uranus can be seen without equipment on a dark night if the person has good eyesight. But Neptune is so far out in the solar system, a telescope is necessary.
When can I see the planets normally?
Mars Jupiter and Saturn are often visible, per NASA. But seeing Venus or Mercury without a telescope is notable.
Venus can only be seen for a few months at a time just before sunrise or after sunset.
Mercury can be seen for a few days or weeks at a time, also around the time the sun rises or sets.
Why are planet parades special?
NASA said these aren't super rare events, but they aren't common either. Four- or five-planet lineups happen a few years apart and will last for weeks or more than a month at a time.
When do I have to look for the seven-planet alignment on Feb. 28?
According to StarWalk, this alignment aligns with the new moon, giving stargazers a great chance to see fainter planets. You'll need to keep your eyes peeled just after sunset.
Of course, it's all weather permitting. Rain and clouds kept most of Mississippi from seeing Venus at its brightest on Valentine's Day.
Will Mississippi be able to see Saturn?
Maybe. It won't be easy. The usually bright planet will be close to the sun, according to StarWalk.
According to Stellarium, Saturn will set around 6:43 p.m., and the Sky Tonight app doesn't list Saturn as making a visible pass over Jackson that day at all.
Sunset for Jackson will be at 5:58 p.m. that day, leaving a narrow window for full dark to fall and the planet to be easily visible, assuming the weather cooperates.
You might want to get an astronomy app or use online tools to pinpoint where to look closer to your exact location.
What's the weather forecast for Feb. 28?
It's still early to tell, but according to National Weather Service forecasts as of Feb. 24, Mississippi can expect a mostly clear evening.
According to NASA, a few planet parades will happen in the next decade:
Need help finding stars, planets and constellations? Try these free astronomy apps
The following free astronomy apps can help you locate stars, planets, and constellations.