Seven planets to light up the night sky—last chance until 2040

This week, the night sky transforms into a cosmic gallery as seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—line up in a rare ‘planetary parade.’ 

It’s a breathtaking sight that won’t grace our skies again until 2040, and for stargazers, it’s a fleeting chance to witness the solar system’s grandeur firsthand.

This rare spectacle won’t repeat with such clarity until 2040. The prime viewing window is just after sunset on Tuesday through Friday, February 25-28.

Four planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars—will shine bright enough for the naked eye. Venus and Jupiter will dazzle with their brilliance, Mars will glow a distinct red, and Mercury will peek out briefly. Saturn, low on the horizon, will be tougher to catch, while Uranus and Neptune require a telescope to spot. Clear skies and an unobstructed view of the western horizon are key, but the chance to see all seven lasts mere minutes.

“There’s a rare opportunity to have seven planets in one convenient spot,” says Dr Edward Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. “Saturn and Mercury set quickly after the Sun, so you’ve got just a few minutes before they vanish. Venus, Jupiter, and Mars stick around longer.” 

This alignment happens because the planets orbit the Sun on a near-flat plane, and their varying speeds occasionally create a striking line-up from Earth’s perspective—though they remain vastly distant in space. Earlier this year, January offered a taste with Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus visible, but this week’s seven-planet show is the grand finale.

To maximise view, Dr Bloomer suggests finding a spot with minimal light pollution. “Your eyes need about 30 minutes to adjust to the dark,” he advises. “Ditch the phone, settle in, and face the horizon.” Uranus might be faintly visible without a telescope under perfect conditions, but don’t count on it.

Weather could play spoilsport. Wednesday night looks cloudy with possible showers. Thursday offers a clearer shot, though mist may creep in later. Friday, with high pressure bringing dry, clear spells, might be the best bet—especially right after sunset before fog rolls in.

Dr Bloomer urges making skywatching a habit. “Watch how it changes,” he says. “It’s a front-row seat to the solar system at work.” So, step outside this week and seize this cosmic moment—it’s a sight 15 years in the waiting.