Bhopal, February 28 : Astronomy enthusiasts are in for a treat today as seven planets of the solar system will be visible in the evening sky. This extraordinary alignment, coinciding with National Science Day, has been widely termed as a “Planetary Parade” on social media.
How and When to Watch the Celestial Display?
National award-winning science communicator Sarika Gharu explained that as the Sun sets in the west today, it will be accompanied by Saturn (Shani), Mercury (Budh), and Neptune. Slightly above them, Venus (Shukra) will shine brightly, making it one of the most visible planets.
Meanwhile, directly overhead, Jupiter (Brihaspati), the largest planet in the solar system, will be positioned alongside Uranus. To the east of Jupiter, the red planet Mars (Mangal) will be visible. This means that, from east to west, the planets will be arranged as follows:
🌍 Mars – Jupiter – Uranus – Venus – Mercury – Saturn – Neptune
Which Planets Will Be Visible to the Naked Eye?
While all seven planets will be present in the sky, only three will be clearly visible without a telescope:
✔ Mars (reddish hue)
✔ Jupiter (bright and prominent)
✔ Venus (most luminous)
The remaining four planets—Mercury and Saturn (too close to the Sun’s glow) and Neptune and Uranus (requiring a powerful telescope)—will be difficult to spot with the naked eye.
Is This a Rare Event?
Despite the buzz on social media labeling this as a once-in-a-lifetime event, Sarika Gharu clarified that such planetary alignments occur every few years. While this phenomenon is not exceedingly rare, the fact that it is visible during the evening makes it special for National Science Day.
This celestial display has been forming over the past month, and today’s alignment is simply a continuation of an ongoing pattern. Astronomy lovers are encouraged to step outside this evening and witness this spectacular planetary alignment before the planets gradually shift away.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
