How to See February's Rare 7-Planet Alignment That Won't Happen Again Until 2040

Calling all stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts — something major is about to happen!

Prepare for an unforgettable “planet parade” as seven planets will align in a rare celestial event on Feb. 28.

According to NASA, the term "planet parade" isn't officially recognized in astronomy, and "planetary alignment" can describe various astronomical events. As the planets in our solar system orbit the sun, they occasionally align during events like oppositions and conjunctions.

Another form of alignment occurs when planets, the moon or bright stars appear to line up in the sky from our perspective on Earth, per NASA.

February’s planetary alignment will bring seven planets in our solar system (outside of Earth) into view for the last time in over a decade: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.  This extraordinary "parade of planets" won't happen again until 2040.

Some will be visible to the naked eye, while others may require a closer look through a telescope — either way, it’s an event you won’t want to miss!

Here’s everything you need to know about this rare event.

Related: All About January's Rare Planetary Alignment and How to See the 'Planet Parade'

Which planets will be visible during the planetary alignment?

On Feb. 28, seven planets — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — will illuminate the night sky in a rare "planetary parade."

According to NASA, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be visible to the naked eye, but you'll need a telescope to catch a glimpse of Neptune and Uranus.

When will the planets be visible?

While BBC notes that you'll be able to spot various planets at different times, the window to see all of them at once will be brief.

According to Dr. Edward Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the best opportunity to view the rare spectacle will be just after sunset before the planets "drop below the horizon." As the sun sets, so will Saturn and Mercury, which will make them more difficult to see.

"After that, you'll still be able to see Venus, Jupiter, and Mars clearly for a much longer time," Dr Bloomer added.

How to watch February's parade of planets?

You're in luck! While Saturn may be difficult to see, considering its positioning low on the horizon, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Mars will be visible to the naked eye. However, you will need a telescope to spot Uranus and Neptune, which are much further away from Earth.

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