On February 28, the rare planetary alignment of Seven planets that will seem to be in a straight line in the sky. A phenomenon that will not be repeated until 2492. Eltiempo.com explains that the planets of the solar system orbit around the sun in slightly inclined planes with respect to the ecliptic, which is the imaginary plane that defines the orbit of the earth. «Due to this inclination, the planets are not always found in the same plane when they are observed from Earth.
However, there are times when their orbits cross, what he does that they seem to be alignedalthough this does not mean that they are in their closest position.
What can be seen and why
Kate Pattle, professor of the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University College of London, establishes that physically, what is colloquially called a parade is not being produced. «It’s just that most The planets are more or less on the same side of the sun at that time. If the planets align in space, a sicigia would occur, a much less frequent phenomenon, “he says. And this alignment corresponds to Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Since in 2024 we have had the possibility of seeing a solar eclipse and northern lights expectations can be high.
When and how is the best time to observe this parade
Whenever the climatic conditions accompany, we can use binocular or telescope. There will be planets that will be visible to the naked eye and we can use binoculars or telescopIo. Although some planets will be visible to the naked eye, optical instruments will allow to see details such as Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons. And since January the alignment of 6 planets in January have been observed.
Lunar conjunctions in the month
Lunar conjunctions in the month of February. (Planetarium of Madrid)
The February 28 event will not be the only one that the stars enthusiasts can enjoy in the next few days. According to the planetarium of Madrid, a series of lunar conjunctions will happen during the month for all the curious who want to observe them.
February 5: This Wednesday, the Moon will be near Uranus. If binocular or a telescope are used, the phenomenon will be appreciable to the north-northwest, towards the constellation of Aries. In addition and as reported by the planetarium of Madrid, the famous asteroid 2024 YR4 will hide a star of the magnitude 11. «The conditions of the event make its observation difficult (non -observable in Spain), but it will be tried since all observation is necessary to define its orbit, ”they have expressed.
In addition, February 9: On Sunday, the Moon will be close to Mars and there will be 92% lighting. It can be seen with the naked eye, although it will be better observed with binoculars. And the February 23starting at 7:30 p.m., five planets will be observable to the naked eye. Low mercury and saturn over the west, with Venus above; Jupiter on the south and Mars on the southwest.
Upcoming planetary alignments that have 5 to 7 planets
Here is the list of dates of this type of event:
–February 28, 2025: Complete evening alignment of Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars. 7 planets will be visible in the sky at the same time.
–August 29, 2025: Great morning alignment of Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn.
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