An unusual phenomenon in the sky on February 28. The next one will not be until 136 years later

Although not an official scientific term, the planet parade has attracted the attention of observers and astronomy enthusiasts around the world. This phenomenon occurs when several planets appear on one side of the Sun and are visible in the night sky at the same time.

Parade planet: What is this phenomenon? When can it be observed?

To better understand this phenomenon, it is worth recalling that the planets orbit the Sun in elliptical orbits. However, the length of these orbits, and therefore the orbital time, varies. Sometimes, there is a situation in which the planets appear to be - from the perspective of Earth - positioned close to each other, almost in one line. However, this is just an illusion. The planets are not actually in such an arrangement, but appear in the sky at the same time.

The next planetary parade will be visible on February 28. Then, the seven planets of our Solar System, namely Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, will be visible in the night sky. They will be located in different places in the sky - from east to west - and will be separated by large angular distances. They will resemble several bright points scattered across the sky at the same time. Moreover, unfortunately, not all of them will be visible to the naked eye.

To be able to admire them, it will be necessary to look closely at the sky from east to west. Mars will be visible most to the east, behind it - to the south - Jupiter and Uranus, and in the center - the Moon. Further to the southwest will appear Venus, Neptune and Mercury. Finally, to the west, you will be able to see Saturn.

The parade of planets could also be observed at the end of January this year. However, six of the seven planets mentioned above were visible at that time. Mercury was not visible.

Parade planet on February 28: Will specialized equipment be needed for observations?

Many people wonder whether the February planetary parade will be visible to the naked eye. It turns out that only some of the planets will be visible without the need for specialist equipment. These will primarily be Venus, Mars and Jupiter, planets that are relatively close to Earth. Venus will be the easiest to see, as it is the closest and will be one of the brightest points in the sky. Mars and Jupiter will be a bit harder to see, but it will be possible. Mars is most often visible as a red dot.

The planets that are slightly further away from Earth – Mercury and Saturn – can also be seen in the sky with the naked eye, but it will be difficult. They may only be visible as small, brighter dots.

The remaining two planets in the Solar System that are farthest from Earth, Uranus and Neptune, will only be visible using specialized equipment.

Parade planet: What times and where to observe?

The planetary parade will be visible in the sky on Friday, February 28. It will be best to observe it in the evening, after sunset. It is worth choosing a place away from city lights. Observation will be possible, of course, provided that the weather conditions are favorable and the sky is cloudless.

It is worth remembering that the next time a similar parade of planets will be visible will not be on May 19, 2161, so 136 years from now.