A spectacular celestial event is unfolding in Minnesota’s skies tonight. After the sun sets on February 24, 2025, a rare planetary parade will be visible, featuring seven planets from our solar system. The display includes Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus.
This alignment is a rare opportunity, as planetary parades typically involve only a few planets at once, but tonight stargazers will witness something truly extraordinary.
A Rare Alignment of Seven Planets
Planetary alignments happen when planets in our solar system line up on the same side of the sun, making them visible from Earth.
Typically, alignments feature two to five planets, but the event tonight will include a rare seven-planet formation, which will not occur again until October 2028.
The planets will appear to be part of a celestial line dance, offering a striking visual display for those who venture outside. The planets involved in this rare event range from the brightest visible bodies in the sky to distant giants. Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Saturn will be clearly visible to the naked eye.
However, Neptune and Uranus, the more distant planets, will require binoculars or a telescope for a clearer view.
Best Time to See the Parade
The best time to catch the parade is immediately after sunset, starting around 6:30 p.m. CST on February 24. The planets will be visible along the west-southwest horizon, with Mercury and Saturn appearing relatively close to the horizon, while Neptune and Uranus will be positioned farther away.
“The best way to view this is to go outside the next time there is a clear sky and point or face toward the south,” stated the planetarium manager at the Bell Museum, Sally Brummel, because light pollution from cities can obscure the view, so heading to areas with a clear, open horizon is recommended for the best experience.
Why Mercury’s Involvement Makes This Special?
One of the most notable aspects of this event is the inclusion of Mercury. This planet, often difficult to spot due to its proximity to the sun, has been missing from recent planetary parades.
Astro Bob King, a night sky enthusiast from Duluth, explains that “Mercury has always been the missing party in the evening,” but its presence now makes this parade even more exciting.
While Mercury typically remains too close to the sun’s glare for easy observation, its inclusion in tonight’s event offers a unique opportunity. It will join the other planets in the sky, making this parade a more complete and stunning spectacle than usual.
What to Expect in the Night Sky?
The alignment tonight will not only be beautiful but also educational. The brightest planets — Venus, Jupiter, and Mars — will be clearly visible with the naked eye. These planets will shine brightly against the darkening sky, creating a captivating sight.
Saturn, though a bit dimmer, will also be visible without special equipment. However, Neptune and Uranus, located far from Earth, will require additional magnification.
Good job Johnny Blackman to glad you got your eyes fixed