February 2025 Planet Parade: How to See Five Planets Align in the Sky

A spectacular celestial event is set to unfold in February 2025, as five of the brightest planets—Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury and Saturn—become visible together in the evening sky. The alignment will peak on February 24, when Mercury and Saturn will appear closest to each other, creating a striking visual near the horizon. Skywatchers with a clear view of the western sky at dusk will have the opportunity to witness this planetary display, with Uranus and Neptune also observable through telescopes or binoculars. Similar alignments have been recorded in the past, but this particular configuration offers an accessible viewing window for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike. The next comparable event will not occur until October 2028, making this a rare chance to observe multiple planets in a single glance.

Venus and Saturn: A Contrasting Pair

According to reports, Venus will dominate the evening sky as the brightest of the five planets, shining prominently in the west-southwest. Despite its intense luminosity, Saturn, appearing below Venus, will be significantly dimmer due to its current ring orientation, which reflects less sunlight. Telescopic observation will reveal the rings as a thin line bisecting Saturn's disk. As the month progresses, Saturn will sink lower into the horizon, becoming increasingly challenging to spot by the end of February.

Jupiter and Mars Brighten the Night

Jupiter will be another standout feature, appearing high in the southern sky with its signature silvery-white glow. Its four largest moons—Europa, Ganymede, Callisto and Io—will be visible through binoculars, particularly on February 25-26, when three of them will form a distinct triangular formation. Meanwhile, Mars, positioned in the eastern sky, will share its space with Gemini's twin stars, Pollux and Castor. This trio will shift gradually across the sky, offering a dynamic spectacle throughout the month.

Mercury and Saturn's Close Encounter

Mercury will emerge in the final week of February, reaching peak brightness on February 24, when it will align closely with Saturn. The two planets will be separated by only 1.5 degrees, with Mercury shining nearly eight times brighter. Observers will need a clear west-southwest horizon and binoculars to spot both planets, particularly as Saturn fades into the twilight.

Uranus and Neptune: The Fainter Participants

For those equipped with telescopes or high-powered binoculars, Uranus and Neptune will also be within reach. Uranus, with its faint greenish hue, might be visible under dark-sky conditions, while Neptune will require optical aid due to its lower brightness. The latter will spend the month in Pisces, gradually vanishing into the brightening evening sky before its solar conjunction in March.

Skywatchers hoping to view this rare planetary alignment should mark their calendars for February 24, when the best chance to witness all five bright planets together will occur.