Six-planet parade to light up the night sky – what you need to know

Astronomy fans are set for a celestial delight as a six-planet parade is scheduled to occur next week. The astronomical phenomenon will feature Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune lined up shortly after dusk on Saturday, February 28.

Whilst Uranus and Neptune are unlikely to be visible to the naked eye, Brits could enjoy a view of the other planets both with and without binoculars. Dr. Shyam Balaji, an astrophysicist and postdoctoral research fellow at King’s College London, explained they will manifest as ‘bright points’ that should be conspicuous in a ‘single line’ stretching across the heavens.

“These planets appear grouped in the night sky as their orbits happen to place them on the same side of the Sun during this period,” Dr Balaji said. “These alignments have no gravitational effects on Earth. Their combined gravitational pull of the planets on Earth is negligible compared to that of the Moon or the Sun.

“Planetary alignments have often inspired cultural or astrological interpretations, but scientifically they are predictable geometrical coincidences with no known physical influence.”

Planetary parades, or alignments, occur when major planets in the solar system appear lined up from our vantage point on Earth. Whilst planets are perpetually ‘aligned’ as they orbit the solar system along broadly the same ecliptic plane, observing multiple simultaneously in the sky is rather unusual.

The easiest method to distinguish between planets and stars is by watching how they shine. If it flickers, it’s probably a star, whilst planets typically maintain a steady glow, frequently in a marginally different hue.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remember that stargazing is heavily influenced by weather conditions and light pollution. To observe planets, Brits should verify forecasts beforehand and position themselves where there’s a clear view of the horizon, distant from harsh urban lighting.

Skywatching advice from NASA has also explained: “On most nights, weather permitting, you can spot at least one bright planet in the night sky.

“While two or three planets are commonly visible in the hours around sunset, occasionally four or five bright planets can be seen simultaneously with the naked eye. These events, often called ‘planet parades’. Though not exceedingly rare, they’re worth observing since they don’t happen every year.”

Should you miss February’s planetary parade, there’s no need to fret – numerous astronomical spectacles await in 2026. A further planetary alignment is scheduled for April 18, featuring Saturn, Mars, Mercury and Neptune.

As August approaches, the Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak, making it one of the fastest and brightest events of the year.

Dr Balaji continued: “The Perseid meteor shower is caused by the Earth travelling through the debris left by a comet called Swift-Tuttle. The debris falls through the Earth’s atmosphere, and as it burns up, you get the meteor shower display.

“It is one of the fastest and brightest meteor showers of the year, so an astronomical highlight for stargazers. It peaks on 12-13 August in 2026.” You can also visit Starwalk’s site for astronomical information and planet viewing tips.