In this case, it is not an alignment from an astrological point of view, but rather in a more “literal” sense of the word, at least from Earth’s perspective.

NASA explains that this phenomenon is a matter of perspective: although in space the planets are not perfectly aligned, from Earth they appear to be distributed along the ecliptic (an imaginary line along which the stars and planets appear to move in the sky).

No exact date

According to National Geographic Portugal, there is no exact date marking this event; instead, the phenomenon will extend over several days.

The “parade of planets” is expected to unfold throughout the end of February and the beginning of March.

Although some media outlets specifically mention 28 February, according to Postal, it’s worth paying attention throughout the period mentioned above to increase your chances of witnessing the phenomenon live.

Different sightings

According to NASA, the planets that may be seen aligned in the sky are Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Jupiter. The best time to see these planets will be shortly after sunset, focusing your view on the western or west-southeastern horizon, as described in some astronomy publications.

However, not all planets will be visible in the same way. According to NASA, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter can be seen with the naked eye, using Jupiter’s brightness as a reference, provided the sky is clear and there is little light pollution (e.g., in large cities). Uranus and Neptune, however, require the use of binoculars or a telescope due to their lower luminosity.

Precaution measures

To avoid eye strain, it is very important that if you use any of the magnifying materials described above, you do not use them before sunset.

Although the alignment of planets at nightfall is not exactly rare, NASA says that normally only two or three can be observed.

The fact that there are six planets is what makes this phenomenon unusual and newsworthy.