From Mercury to Neptune: Witness the entire Solar System with the naked eye in a rare 'planet parade' next week

February 2025 Planet Parade

Stargazers are in for a rare treat this February as all seven planets in our solar system will align, creating a stunning sight in the night sky. While six planets—Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—aligned this January, the event will reach its peak on February 28 when Mercury joins the celestial parade.

A Spectacular Celestial Event
Between January 21 and 29, six planets were visible together, offering astronomers a beautiful view. But the real spectacle arrives on February 28. Scientists say this is the last time until 2040 that all seven planets will align in such a perfect display.

Planetary alignments happen when planets gather on the same side of the Sun, explained Gerard van Belle from the Lowell Observatory. “When this occurs, we can spot several planets in the night sky,” he told Space.com.

Jenifer Millard, a UK-based astronomer, noted the magic of seeing planets with the naked eye. “You can search for images online, but nothing compares to seeing it yourself. It’s truly humbling,” she said.

A Unique Link to Maha Kumbh Mela
This rare event also overlaps with India’s Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest cultural gathering, recognised by UNESCO. The six-planet alignment occurred during the 45-day festival, which ends on February 26.

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Maha Kumbh holds deep astrological significance, with its timing based on the positions of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon. The current planetary alignment during this year’s Purna Kumbh is particularly special, repeating only once every 144 years.

Planetary Alignments and Space Exploration
Planetary alignments have long played a key role in space missions. In 1966, NASA scientist Gary Flandro calculated a rare alignment of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune in 1977. This allowed NASA to visit all four planets within 12 years, instead of 30.

This discovery led to the launch of the iconic Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft, which took a “Grand Tour” of the outer solar system.

As the rare seven-planet alignment approaches, astronomers and stargazers are preparing to witness a moment that bridges celestial wonder and human curiosity—offering a reminder of the vastness and beauty of the cosmos.