Stargazers ought to look to the western horizon about 30-60 minutes after sundown.
Six planets must be seen in direction of the western horizon on Sunday (Picture: Getty)
Stargazers within the UK are set to be handled to a uncommon celestial show often called a planetary parade this month. Six planets are anticipated to line up throughout the night time sky on Sunday, February 28, in response to Dr William Alston, an astronomer and senior lecturer on the College of Hertfordshire’s Centre for Astrophysics Analysis. He stated: “A planetary parade is when a number of of the planets in our photo voltaic system seem shut collectively within the sky from Earth’s perspective.
“This occurs as a result of the planets orbit the Solar in practically the identical flat airplane, often called the ecliptic. This implies they observe roughly the identical path throughout the sky because the Solar when seen. Every so often, the relative positions of Earth and the opposite planets are such that a number of worlds can seem within the night sky directly, forming what appears like a parade shifting throughout the sky.”
The phenomenon is predicted to be seen shortly after sundown within the UK and different components of the Northern Hemisphere this weekend.
The six planets which may be seen are Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
Dr Alston added: “To witness the planetary parade, look towards the western horizon about 30-60 minutes after sundown on the night of 28 February.
“Venus and Mercury shall be low down on the horizon. Saturn and Neptune shall be barely larger than these, whereas Uranus shall be larger nonetheless.
“Jupiter shall be near the Moon, which is predicted to be at 90% illumination. Bear in mind to hint the trail the Solar took throughout the sky that day, as that’s the path you’ll find these objects alongside.
“Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury must be seen to the bare eye, although Mercury shall be low and could be tough as a result of it’s near the Solar’s glow.
“Uranus could be very faint and often wants good binoculars or a small telescope to see. Neptune is fainter nonetheless and would require a telescope.”
Such planetary parades are “not on a regular basis occasions”, with six or seven planets usually solely seen as soon as each decade, Dr Alston stated.
He added: “Readers may bear in mind the seven-planet parade from February 2025. The quick recurrence time is as a result of the outer planets orbit the Earth at a a lot slower fee.
“For UK observers, wherever with a transparent view of the western horizon and low mild air pollution will enhance your possibilities of seeing the parade.
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“Good choices embrace rural countryside areas with open skies, nature reserves and parks away from brilliant streetlights, and elevated spots with unobstructed horizons.
“As a result of a few of the planets, particularly Mercury and Saturn, stay low after sundown, a flat, broad view of the western sky is good.”
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