A large parade of seven planets aligned with our moon from February 27 to March 1.
The planet parade occurs when several planets in the solar system align on the same side of the sun. However, their precise alignment in space does not necessarily mean that they will be perfectly lined up in the sky.
There are a few parade categories: mini parades are a three-planet alignment and can occur a few times per year, moderate parades include four or five planets and happen every one to two years, large parades, like the one on last Friday, have six to seven planets and only show every 10 to 20 years, and grand alignments, where we can view all eight planets, occur only every couple centuries.
These alignments have fascinated cultures around the world for a millennium. The Babylonians, 2000 BCE, thought that these alignments were omens, or divine messages warding them from danger. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the movement of the planets emitted divine music and often referred to them as “music of the spheres”. The Mayans used these alignments to mark important rituals and ceremonies. During the Middle Ages, these planetary parades and many other celestial events were interpreted as messages from God.
The 2025 Parade of Planets will be visible from late February to early March. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye. While Uranus and Neptune are still a part of the parade, you will need to use a telescope to spot them. To get the best view, a small telescope is advised to catch the dimmer planets and to go to a dark spot with minimal light pollution.
“I would take advantage of this event because the next time it’s gonna happen won’t be for another 20 years or so,” Earth and Space Science teacher Austin Poschner said. “With cities evolving to get brighter, the stars themselves are becoming harder and harder to see every day.”
In a busy world, stargazing can offer a moment of peace and wonder. The timeless nightscape is one that transcends generations and cultures, instilling a sense of awe. While stargazing may seem like a solitary endeavor it can be a deeply social experience as well. People often form communities and make time to go out and stare into the night sky. Often with local astronomy clubs, planetariums, and even informal stargazing groups fostering an interest in constellations, planetary motions and celestial events. The 2025 planetary parade offered a unique opportunity to reconnect with a centuries-old cultural tradition of stargazing.
