Seven planets are aligning in the night sky this week, creating a brief chance to see a "planetary parade."
Axar.az reports that this phenomenon, known as a 'planetary parade' is a rare sight, and it will be the last time seven planets can be seen simultaneously so well until 2040.
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus will be visible worldwide a few days before the end of the month. However, it is recommended to observe it in the evening on February 28. The best time will be between 19:30 and 22:30 Baku time.
With the naked eye, you will be able to see only four planets: Venus, Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter. Observing Uranus and Neptune will require a good pair of binoculars or a telescope. To see Saturn, you will need to know the exact time of its appearance at the observation site. This is because on February 28, the planet will be very close to the Sun.
Overall, the conditions for observation are favorable. The timing of the planetary parade coincides with the new moon. So, the moon's light won't interfere with the observation, and even dimmer objects will be visible. However, it's important to keep an eye on the weather, as cloud cover and precipitation could significantly affect the view.
Observation should begin right after sunset, choosing a location away from bright lights. To see how the planets will appear in a specific location, you can use a special app, such as Sky Tonight or Star Walk 2.