Standing under the night sky is breathtaking. As stars, tiny pools of light, poke through an endlessly dark blanket, we feel humbled and are reminded of our great luck: We are here, in this moment, right now, a product of everything that has come before and playing a role in everything that will come after.
Nights like these already feel like a small miracle. But on February 28th, something positively incredible happens: the 2025 planetary parade. Imagine stepping out on a clear February evening and seeing not just one or two, but SEVEN planets shining brightly in the distance like a string of cosmic jewels.
What exactly is a “planetary parade”?
A planetary parade occurs when multiple planets in our solar system are visible in the night sky, and many (typically four or five) can be observed with the naked eye. This celestial event is fascinating because it allows us to witness a rare occurrence. As planets orbit the sun on their shared ecliptic plane, they occasionally align, creating the appearance of a cosmic conga line.
Planetary conga linePhoto credit: Canva
Technically, it’s an optical illusion since the planets aren’t actually lined up perfectly in space. However, from our vantage point here on Earth, it truly looks like a parade—a group of planets marching one by one.
In the past, these “planetary alignments” (as astronomers call them) have held profound cultural significance around the world. Often interpreted as omens, divine messages, or a sign of cosmic harmony, ancient civilizations have been marveling at the wonder of planetary parades since the dawn of time. In Greek and Roman mythology, planets were believed to be the gods personified, so planetary parades were signs that the gods interacted. For example, whenever Venus and Mars crossed paths, it symbolized the connection between love and war. Similarly, in Hindu astrology, or Jyotish, planetary conjunctions were thought to indicate major spiritual or material shifts, and many would perform rituals to incite desired results. For Mayans, planetary alignments were of the utmost importance and were integrated into their 260-day calendars.
On February 28, 2025, seven planets in our solar system—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will appear in the nighttime sky. Many of these planets have been visible since January, but for just a few special days at the end of February and beginning of March, we’ll be treated to the cosmic equivalent of a royal flush, as Mercury and Saturn briefly join the celestial parade. Spotting five of the brightest planets (Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Saturn) along with far more elusive ones, like Uranus and Neptune, is a rare, once-in-a-decade event that doesn’t come around often. In fact, the next planetary parade isn’t projected to be seen until 2040. So, grab your binoculars and clear your schedule: here’s everything you need to know about 2025’s upcoming planetary parade.
Isn't it beautiful Photo credit: Canva
When and where to see it
- Date: Friday, February 25, 2025. (This is the alignment’s peak!)
- Time: Look to the western horizon immediately after sunset, at approximately 6:00 PM local time.
- Location: While the alignment will be visible to nearly everyone around the world, those in the Northern Hemisphere will have the best and clearest views, particularly in locations like Mexico, New York, and San Francisco.
Round and round and round we goPhoto credit: Canva
Tips for observing the 2025 planetary parade
- Find a dark spot: The bright, harsh lights of the city will wash out the more distant planets’ subtle glow. Plan ahead and find a place with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the western horizon, such as a rural area, the mountains, deserts, or coastal areas.
- Time it right: The best chance to see the parade is just after sunset. Check your local weather apps beforehand to confirm when the sun will set on February 28th. And on the day, be patient. As the sun dips below the horizon, the planets will slowly begin to shine through the haze of twilight. Allow your eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness so that you have a greater chance to spot fainter planets like Uranus and Neptune.
- Don’t be afraid of gadgets: Even though you’ll likely spot Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn with relative ease, finding Uranus and Neptune will be trickier. Try to find a pair of binoculars or a small telescope, which can make a world of difference (please excuse the pun) when trying to make out these distant worlds more clearly. Or, poke around at what’s available to you, locally—it may surprise you. In Los Angeles, both the Griffith Observatory and West Los Angeles College will be hosting planetary parade viewing events.
- Consult the apps: If you need some guidance on where to look (space is famously huge, you know), there are apps to help, including Star Walk, Star Tracker, and Sky Map. Make sure you check the weather, too! Clear skies are essential for stargazing, so check the local weather forecasts and choose a place with minimal cloud cover.
A shared moment of wonder
Of course, there are ways to optimize the viewing experience, but the planetary parade is so much more than that. Throughout history, it's been a spectacle that brings people together. Whether you’re watching from your backyard, a local park, or a remote location far removed from society (be careful!), remember that you’re part of a global community of people doing what humans have always done: looking up at the cosmos in amazement.
Ignite your love for science!Photo credit: Canva
If you’re busy on Friday when the sun goes down, don't panic. Yes, the alignment peaks that day, but it will still be visible for several days before and after this date, providing multiple opportunities to catch this magnificent celestial spectacle.
