All eight planets in our solar system orbit the sun at different speeds, but largely on the same plane. When they simultaneously find themselves on the same side of the sun, the phenomenon of a planetary parade occurs. This makes it seem as if they are standing in a row, from Earth's perspective.
Several of the planets have been visible for weeks, but on Friday evening, the parade will be complete. In addition to Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus, the innermost planet Mercury can now also be seen in the sky.
However, Mercury can be difficult to spot – it is only possible for a short time when the sun sets, according to the Greenwich Observatory in London.
The farther north from the Equator, the easier it is to see the planets, and a clear sky and the absence of artificial light make it easier.
More Chances
The easiest to spot is the brightly shining Venus, also known as the Evening Star. Even the reddish Mars and massive Jupiter are relatively easy to observe.
Yellow Saturn can be trickier, and for distant Neptune and Uranus, a telescope or a good pair of binoculars is required. Faintly shining Uranus can be seen near Jupiter, tips the observatory in London.
While the complete planetary parade can only be seen until the end of February, several of the planets, such as Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Saturn, will still be possible to see together for several days.
"Very Beautiful"
According to Maria Sundin, an astrophysicist at the University of Gothenburg, it is not unusual for four or five of the planets in our solar system to simultaneously be within clear sight for us earthlings, even if it does not happen every year.
It's very beautiful. Already when it gets dark in the afternoon and the sky is still dark blue and not pitch black, you can see several planets shining, said Sundin to TT in January when the planets began to line up.
