Seven planets align on February 28: Time, where to watch in the U.S. and what you need to know

A special spectacle will grace the night sky this month-end, when seven planets will line up in what is commonly referred to as a “planet parade.” This rare event will give stargazers the opportunity to witness multiple planets appearing in a nearly straight line from Earth’s perspective. Here’s everything you need to know about this cosmic event, including when and where to see it, and when we can expect it to repeat in the future.

When is the alignment of planets

The best time to observe this planetary alignment in the United States is Friday night, February 28, 2025. That will be when Mercury will join Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus and Saturn in the night sky, making it possible to see them at the same time.

According to experts, the optimal time to see the alignment is shortly after sunset. While four of the planets — Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Mars — will be visible to the naked eye, Saturn will be more difficult to see due to its low position on the horizon. Uranus and Neptune, darker and farther from Earth, will require binoculars or a telescope for observation.

Weather conditions will be favorable for viewing this phenomenon in its first hours. Weather forecasts call for clear skies over parts of the United States on February 28, especially in the Midwest and West, increasing the chances of unobstructed viewing. However, hazy and foggy conditions are possible late in the evening, making early afternoon the best time to view the planetary parade.

Where in the United States will it look best?

The planetary alignment will be visible throughout the United States, but the quality of visibility will depend on local conditions. To get the clearest possible view of the alignment, astronomers recommend finding a location away from city lights and high levels of light pollution. National parks, rural areas and elevated locations are the best places to enjoy a clear view of the night sky.

The alignment will extend across the western part of the sky, and the planets will gradually appear as the Sun sets. Saturn and Neptune will be the closest to the horizon and the first to disappear, so spot them early.

For those living in cities, rooftop terraces and city parks with minimal artificial lighting may be suitable viewing spots. Some of the best places in the United States for stargazing are:

• Mauna Kea, Hawaii: one of the best places in the world for stargazing.
• Big Bend National Park, Texas: known for its dark skies and clear views.
• Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania: certified dark sky park.
• Great Basin National Park, Nevada: remote and free of light pollution.

Using a stargazing app can also help determine the exact position of each planet, making it easier to identify.

When will the planets align again?

The phenomenon, although special, will be repeated in the next two years. Although fewer planets will be seen in the sky, these are the next planetary parades:

• April 17, 2025 - A four-planet alignment with Neptune, Mercury, Saturn and Venus.
• August 10, 2025 - A six-planet alignment featuring Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn
• February 28, 2026 - Another six-planet alignment featuring Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Jupiter

The next time seven planets will be visible together in this way will be until 2040, making this year’s event a particularly special occasion.

Tips for viewing the planetary parade

• Find a dark location: avoid city lights and head to a rural area or elevated location for the best visibility.
• Use binoculars or a telescope: although four of the planets will be visible with the naked eye, Uranus and Neptune require optical assistance.
• Adapt your vision: it takes about 30 minutes for human eyes to fully adapt to darkness, so patience is required to see the show.
• Use a stargazing app: apps such as SkyView, Star Walk or NASA’s SkyWatch can help locate planets in real time.
• Arrive early: because some planets, such as Saturn and Mercury, set earlier than others, it is recommended to start observing in the early hours.

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