If you are one of those people who live carpe diem to the fullest, there is an astronomical event that you will not want to miss, and that is, on February 28th the sky will be decked out and will give us a spectacle that we will not see again until 2492, so, take advantage of this day 28 because we do not know if we will be there for the next one. We are talking about seven planets that will align in a unique way in the sky in February, they will be Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, they will be a row of points aligned in the sky, and it will be a spectacular image that can be seen from practically the entire world. If you like astronomy, or you simply like to observe the sky, you cannot miss this event!
What is a planetary alignment?
Basically, it is when we see from Earth how several planets are positioned on the same side of the sun and can be seen together. These types of events are not usually strange, but what makes the one that will occur this February special is that there will be seven, seven!! planets that will be organized in the sky along the ecliptic.
Why does the planetary alignment occur?
Because the planets follow similar orbits within the so-called “protoplanetary disk” that formed the solar system, so, as they move at different speeds, they sometimes align themselves, offering us this type of visual spectacle.
Where can I see the planetary alignment?
As with the meteor shower, where you are is important. The first thing to do is to find a dark location and make sure the sky is clear (since it will be practically impossible to see it if the sky is cloudy). And, if you are a big fan of astronomy, bring tools like a telescope or binoculars, because Jupiter and Venus will be visible to the naked eye, but a telescope will allow you to see Saturn’s rings!
When can you see it?
From the moment the sun sets on the horizon on the 28th, the alignment can be observed.
Why is this astronomical event so special?
Because it will be an event that will not be repeated for centuries, unlike other types of alignments that occur with some frequency, this exact same formation will occur next time in 2492, so it is especially striking and that is why we cannot miss it!
What other astronomical events are there in February?
This month the sky is full of light:
- On February 5th the Moon will approach Uranus and can be observed with a telescope.
- On the 9th, Mars will align with the Moon at 92% illumination, a great spectacle.
- On February 23rd, there will already be 5 planets aligned preparing for the 28th.
On February 28th, don’t hesitate to leave everything you have to do to observe the sky for a moment because it will offer you a unique spectacle. Feel special for being living in this moment of life because it will be 400 years before someone can observe something similar to this!