All seven planets – Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn – are set to align in the UK this week and it’s the last time it will happen until 2040
This week, stargazers across the UK are in for a treat as all seven planets will be visible during an incredibly rare sighting that won’t happen again until 2040.
Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn will all align in a celestial spectacle known as a ‘planetary parade’. This will be the last time such a clear view of all seven planets simultaneously can be enjoyed until 2040.
Astronomers use the term ‘planetary alignment’ to refer to the phenomenon where planets cluster closely on one side of the Sun.
Technically, planets are always in a state of ‘alignment’ as they orbit the solar system along the same plane, known as the ecliptic. However, when these celestial bodies group along this line and become visible from Earth, it’s referred to as a ‘planetary parade’.
Astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, Dr Edward Bloomer, told the BBC: “There’s a rare opportunity to have seven planets in essentially a convenient place for you to look for them.” Four of the planets, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars, will be visible to the naked eye, while Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will be trickier to spot gracing the sky.
Saturn will be low on the horizon, making it harder to see, and a telescope is needed to pick out Uranus and Neptune.
Despite this, it is well worth taking a peek up to the sky on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday just after sunset to witness the phenomenon. However, experts say just after sunset on Friday, will be the best day to catch a glimpse of the ‘planetary parade’.
Clear skies and a good view of the horizon will give you the best possible chance, while you also want to be somewhere with minimal light pollution and an area without an obstructed view.
However, Dr Bloomer warned: “You really only have a few minutes after sunset to catch them before they drop below the horizon. After that, you’ll still be able to see Venus, Jupiter, and Mars clearly for a much longer time.”
At the moment, the sun is setting at around 5.45pm in the UK so make sure you find a clear view of the sky in plenty of time. It could take some time, so be patient, and when the sky is dark enough, Mercury is expected to appear – this could be at around 7.15pm on Friday. Saturn is expected to make an appearance at around 6.30pm on the same day.
