Rare Planetary Alignment to Illuminate UK Night Skies
A rare celestial event is set to grace the night skies this week, as seven planets align in a planetary parade visible from the UK. The alignment, which includes Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, will occur on 28 February 2025, with some planets visible to the naked eye. This phenomenon, known as a planetary alignment, happens when planets in our solar system appear to line up along the ecliptic plane as viewed from Earth.
According to the Greenwich Royal Observatory, six of the planets have been visible since late January, but Mercury’s addition on 28 February will make the event even more special. Dr Shyam Balaji, a researcher in astroparticle physics and cosmology at King’s College London, noted that alignments of six or more planets are relatively rare, occurring approximately every few decades.
While Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn are typically visible without aid, Uranus and Neptune will require a telescope due to their faintness. Mercury, though technically visible to the naked eye, may be challenging to spot without assistance due to its low position on the horizon. The new moon on 28 February will also reduce light pollution, offering stargazers a clearer view of the night sky.
Weather conditions in the UK are expected to be favourable for most regions, with high pressure bringing clear skies. However, cloud cover may hinder visibility in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and northwest Scotland. For the best viewing experience, astronomers recommend finding a location away from city lights and using astronomical software to track the planets’ positions. This alignment marks a unique opportunity for stargazers, as the next similar event is not expected until 2040.
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