How to observe a rare astronomical event this Friday.

      There may have been occasions when you’ve noticed the bright light of Venus in the night sky, and possibly even the salmon-pink hue of Mars on the same evening. However, it's far less common to have seen all the planets in our solar system simultaneously. This Friday, you’ll have the opportunity to witness this unusual astronomical event, with Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune all visible in the night sky for observers on Earth.

      “Planetary alignments happen because the planets in our solar system revolve around the sun in a similar plane, referred to as the ecliptic plane,” explained Shyam Balaji, a researcher in astroparticle physics and cosmology at King’s College London. “Since they orbit at various speeds and distances from the sun, there are times when they appear to align from our viewpoint on Earth. This alignment is more of a visual occurrence than a physical one, as the planets remain millions or even billions of kilometers apart in space.”

      Certain regions of the globe are already experiencing the planetary alignment, but February 28 is widely regarded as the best day to catch it.

      **How to observe Friday’s planetary parade**

      The optimal time to view the planetary parade will be approximately 45 minutes after sunset on Friday, February 28.

      Provided that the skies are clear (which is crucial!), the ideal location to enjoy the spectacle will be a dark area away from light pollution, such as city lights, and with an unobstructed view of the horizon. Once you arrive at your viewing spot, don’t expect to see all of the planets at once. Take a moment to appreciate the night sky while your eyes adjust to the darkness.

      Although Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus can be seen with the naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope will significantly enhance your viewing experience. Mercury and Saturn may also be visible without optical aids, but they can be tricky to spot, so binoculars or a telescope will be useful for these planets. For Neptune, using one of those optical aids is essential!

      The exact location to look in the sky varies depending on your location on Earth, so it's best to refer to one of the many excellent astronomy apps available. Many of these apps include augmented reality features that overlay labels for the planets and stars in your view when you point your phone's camera at the sky. Star Walk 2 Pro: Sky Map Live (iOS and Android) is a great choice for beginners, while a more advanced (and pricier) app is SkySafari 7 Pro (iOS and Android).