Depiction of planets in the solar system getting in line. A “planet alignment” is expected to happen during February.(Image credit: DrPixel via Getty Images)
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An arrangement of planets is on the verge of presenting six of Earth’s neighboring celestial bodies into the night sky all at once — yet it may be tough to observe.
If you are able to discover an open view facing westward with unobstructed sight and unclouded skies on Saturday, Feb. 28, it’s possible you might observe the two inner planets, Venus and Mercury, in close proximity to Saturn, alongside Neptune, Uranus as well as Jupiter also gracing the night sky, according to what NASA reported.
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Neptune will be observed very close to Saturn, though a skywatching telescope of 6-inch (15 centimeters) is needed to achieve a good sighting of Neptune (and, even this might not be enough in twilight). These four planets will be in the sky approximately half an hour after sunset and can be viewed for roughly 45 minutes.
When Venus, Mercury, Saturn in addition to Neptune have been observed, cast your eyes high to the south to find Jupiter positioned in the Gemini constellation. Its brilliant shine should make it simple to detect. The three stars making up Orion’s Belt should be located approximately halfway in between the other four planets together with Jupiter. The massive planet can also be seen as a consistent, pale light that does not flicker as stars are known to do.
Uranus, the Pleiades together with a total lunar eclipse
Uranus, planet number seven, can also be spotted within the night sky; but it is optimal when viewed with binoculars or a compact telescope. In order to discover it, use Orion’s Belt once more, and adhere to the direction in which its three stars point — Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka — shifting upward, until the shimmering sight of the Pleiades open cluster (also recognized as “The Seven Sisters” or M45) comes into view. Uranus will be located slightly beneath the Pleiades cluster, within the Taurus constellation.
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Adding to the viewing excitement, the moon is expected to be in the night sky on Feb. 28 alongside another well-known star cluster. With roughly 92% of its surface illuminated, the waxing gibbous moon will come close to the Beehive Cluster (also known as M44 and NGC 2632), a notable cluster featuring close to 1,000 stars located around 577 light-years away from the solar system.
After the fading of this planetary parade, an event even more awe-inspiring is going to happen: a complete lunar eclipse on March 3 during which time the full “Worm Moon” travels through the dark area cast by Earth. During this particular happening, additionally known by its other name as a “blood moon,” the lunar surface will be tinted a copper-red color for 58 minutes, with the western portions of the U.S. (including both Alaska and Hawaii), the Pacific islands, New Zealand, Australia along with East Asia receiving the greatest views of the eclipse.
Jamie CarterSocial Links NavigationLive Science contributor
Jamie Carter operates out of Cardiff, U.K., as a self-employed science reporter and often donates to Live Science. He penned the book A Stargazing Program For Beginners and is co-author to The Eclipse Effect, as well as directing global stargazing and eclipse chasing excursions. Space.com, Forbes, New Scientist, BBC Sky at Night, Sky & Telescope, in addition to many other prominent science and astronomy sources publish his contributions on a consistent schedule. He also presides as editor over WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com.
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