Six planets in a row: the celestial spectacle that you will not see again until 2040
February says goodbye with a gift for those who look up. On the night of February 28, six planets will align in the same region of the sky, creating a cosmic parade worth witnessing.
Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye. To see Uranus and Neptune you will need binoculars or a small telescope, but the effort will be worth it.
According to NASA data, an alignment like this will not be repeated until the year 2040.
How to prepare for the star function
The best time will be between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., just after the sun goes down. The planets will appear above the western horizon as the sky darkens.
To enjoy to the fullest:
- Escape the city: look for a place with a dark sky, away from artificial lights.
- Make sure you have a clear horizon, without tall buildings or trees.
- Use astronomy apps that help you locate the planets in real time.
- Avoid bright screens for at least 20 minutes beforehand so your eyes adjust.
- Check the weather forecast: you need clear skies.
If you plan to go out of town, bring the essentials: red-light lamps (that won’t ruin your night vision), food, drinks, and appropriate clothing. The night can get cold quickly.
This is one of those opportunities that come around once every two decades. A reminder that our cosmic neighborhood continues to move in precise and predictable patterns, creating moments of perfect beauty for those of us willing to look up.
