Astronomy enthusiasts and amateur stargazers on the Côte d’Azur are in for a treat this Friday as seven planets from our solar system are set to appear in a rare alignment at dusk. This extraordinary phenomenon offers a remarkable opportunity to observe multiple celestial bodies simultaneously, with some even visible to the naked eye.
Following the six-planet alignment on 25th January, the upcoming celestial display on 28th February will feature an additional planet: Mercury.
From 6.17pm onwards, sky watchers in the region should be able to view five of the planets without the need for specialised equipment. In all, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are set to align, although the latter two will be out of reach for those without a telescope due to their considerable distance from Earth. Given that Mercury and Saturn will be positioned closest to the setting sun, they may also be difficult to spot without assistance.
Despite the term “alignment” that experts are using to describe the event, the planets will not actually form a perfectly straight line. Planetary alignment refers to the visual phenomenon where multiple planets appear in the same section of the sky from Earth’s perspective. The closer the planets are within this sector, the more striking the appearance is to observers.
For those hoping to witness this event and enhance their chances of seeing multiple planets, sky-mapping applications like Sky Tonight or Stellarium can help identify the celestial bodies amidst the stars. A key tip is to remember that planets do not twinkle, unlike stars.
For optimal viewing, start by looking towards the sunset. Mercury and Saturn should appear just below Venus, the first to become visible, as faint points of light. Turning slightly left and gazing higher, a bright light will mark the presence of Jupiter. Further to the southeast, a reddish-orange dot will reveal the location of Mars.
To fully appreciate this event, selecting a location with minimal light pollution is essential. Avoiding urban areas will provide a clearer and more immersive experience. Observers should also refrain from attempting to spot the planets before sunset, as direct exposure to intense sunlight can be harmful to the eyes.
For those unable to watch on the exact date, there’s no need to worry. Keen observers will still have a chance to catch glimpses of the alignment in the days leading up to and following 28th February. With a new moon occurring on the same evening, conditions are expected to be ideal for stargazing—making this a perfect opportunity to end the month with a spectacular view of the cosmos.
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