All Planets of Our Solar System Aligning in February Night Sky
NEW YORK—At the close of February, observers can witness a planetary parade featuring seven planets, although some may be tricky to see without optical aids.
This celestial event occurs when multiple planets seem to align in the night sky, not in a perfectly straight line but grouped together on one side of the sun.
Such astronomical gatherings are relatively frequent, occurring at least annually, depending on the planetary positions. NASA indicates that a conjunction of four or five planets visible without telescopes happens every few years.
A similar conjunction occurred last June but allowed for visual confirmation of only two planets unaided. In January, six planets were visible to the naked eye, and now a faint Mercury has joined the lineup.
This month, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter can be observed with the naked eye. A subtle Saturn and Mercury are close to the horizon, making them difficult to distinguish. Binoculars and telescopes will reveal Uranus and Neptune.
To partake in the view, step outside on a clear, star-lit evening following sunset. The planets will shine more brightly than the stars, with Mars appearing as a reddish-orange dot. Utilizing stargazing apps may assist in locating them.
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