A rare celestial event is set to unfold on February 28, when all the planets in our solar system will briefly be visible in the night sky. This spectacular display, which won't happen again until 2040, marks the grand finale of the planetary parade that began last month. The event will feature all seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—aligning in the sky. According to NASA, such events, especially those involving four or more planets, are noteworthy and infrequent. The presence of numerous bright planets makes this event particularly extraordinary.

What is a Planetary Parade?
According to Space.com, the planets in our solar system orbit the sun along a line across the sky in a plane called the ecliptic. Consequently, planets in our earthly sky always appear somewhere along this line. While these events are common, they are often referred to as planetary alignments or "planet parades," though NASA notes that the term isn't technically astronomical.

When and How to See This Rare Celestial Event
The optimal time to observe the event is around 45 minutes after sunset. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus will be visible to the naked eye just after sunset, but you'll need binoculars or a telescope to spot Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune.

According to the BBC, Venus will be visible in the west after sunset, while Mars will be high in the south and remain visible through early March 2025. Jupiter will appear in the southwest after sunset. Although Uranus is technically visible to the naked eye, you'll need good eyesight and dark skies to see it below the Pleiades star cluster in the west-southwest.

Viewing the Tricker Planets
Saturn, which was prominent earlier in the year, will be difficult to observe by late February as it sits close to the Sun and sets simultaneously. Neptune, even at its best, requires binoculars or a telescope to see. Mercury will complete this planet parade, making all Solar System worlds visible at once on February 28, 2025. However, to catch it in the west-southwest shortly after sunset, you'll need a clear horizon.

So, while you might not see all seven planets dazzlingly bright and aligned, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus will still be visible. Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune will be more challenging to observe.

Planetary Parade: Visibility in India
The planetary alignment will be visible across India, with most cities witnessing this rare event. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus will be visible to the naked eye. However, a telescope will be necessary to view Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune, as they will appear faint.

How to View the Planetary Parade?

Choose a spot with an unobstructed view of the horizon. To minimize light pollution, opt for a location away from city lights. While Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus can be seen with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope will provide a clearer view, particularly for Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune. Clear skies are crucial for the best viewing experience.