A rare celestial event is set to occur on February 28, 2025. Seven planets, including Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, will all align in the sky and be visible to the naked eye. This “planetary parade” will provide a unique opportunity to observe multiple planets without the help of technology, a sight that won’t occur again until 2040. This will make this an exciting scene for astrologists and scientists worldwide. 

The best viewing time for watchers in Tucson, Arizona is just after sunset. Mercury and Saturn will be visible on the western horizon just above the mountains and may be hard to spot due to their short range of the setting sun. Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will be most prominent and visible to the naked eye, with Venus shining bright and Mars showing a dark red hue. Uranus and Neptune, being farther from Earth, will require binoculars or a telescope to observe.  Even then, however, they can be visible in a clear and dark sky.

To experience this phenomenon, find a place with an unobstructed view of the western horizon and minimal light pollution. A good place for this would be Mt. Lemmon or even Redington Pass. Let your eyes adjust to the darkness, and consider a star map app to help locate the planets. This alignment is a very temporary event, the planets will slowly disperse throughout the spring, making February 28 a prime time to observe the rare event. 

Don’t miss the chance to witness this remarkable event of your solar system’s planets, a phenomenon that offers both a vivid visual and a reminder of the unique nature of our world.