Six planets visible in the evening sky this week

If the sky is clear, a unique astronomical event can be observed this week: six planets will be visible simultaneously for a short time each evening. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn can be seen with the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune require at least a good pair of binoculars.

Astronomers describe this as a ‘planetary alignment,’ though this term is somewhat misleading, as the planets are neither in a straight line nor close together. They merely appear above the horizon at the same time.

Saturn, Venus, and Neptune can be seen in the west until around 10 p.m., while Jupiter and Uranus are high in the southern sky and visible throughout the night. Mars appears in the southeast and sets by morning.

This full display of planets is only visible until 10 p.m. For those missing this celestial show (the weather forecast is unfavorable), there will be another chance at the end of February.

From February 21, the six planets will again be visible simultaneously, and on February 28, even a seventh, Mercury, will join. During this period, the planets will be visible together for a much shorter time.

Mercury, Saturn, Venus, and Neptune will dip below the horizon just over an hour after sunset. Viewing five or more planets simultaneously is relatively rare.

It will occur a few times this year, but after that, it won’t happen again until 2040.

Source: NOS

Share