Stargazers are in for a stellar sight this month as New York City's skies play host to a "parade of planets", a celestial event that will feature every planet in the solar system visible after sunset. Astronomy experts note that while a few of these celestial bodies require telescopes or binoculars for viewing, planets such as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn can be easily spotted with the naked eye. According to Jackie Faherty, an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History, who spoke with Gothamist, these planets will "march across your sky" following sunset in a specific order that starts with Mercury and ends with Mars.
For those eager to witness the planetary alignment, intentional planning is essential, with Planet-setting times fluctuating daily, however, the sight promises to be spectacular, especially considering Venus will shine with peak brilliance throughout the month, pitching this rare occasion as a must-see for all sky watchers; the Old Farmer’s Almanac provides a calculator for those seeking the precise rise and set times of each planet. In a gesture that enhances the viewing experience, the Amateur Astronomers Association is even hosting telescope viewing events at multiple city locations including Fort Greene, Floyd Bennett Field, and Queensborough Community College. To assist those in the Big Apple, key dates have been noted when planets will neighbor the moon, such as Venus on Feb. 1 and Mars on Feb. 9.
Complementing the planetary display, the constellation Orion and the Pleiades star cluster will also present themselves prominently in the night sky, offering astronomical enthusiasts a full roster of cosmic observations for the taking. According to Gothamist, by using the constellation Orion as a guide, with its recognizable star Betelgeuse, one can trace a path to the Pleiades, which is observable by following Orion’s belt stars Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka to the hunter's bow. On February 6, the Pleiades will even appear in close proximity to the moon, providing yet another reason to cast eyes upward during the early February nights.
In a related report by CBS News, this winter's sky show isn't solely a treat for New Yorkers, as sky gazers worldwide anticipate the alignment of seven planets on February 28; this event follows a January display where Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars were visible together. The timing of planetary parades can vary, but as NASA states, they're not a common annual occurrence, with the last notable alignment having taken place in June 2024; it is an event that arises from the planets' orbits aligning in a way that positions them closer to each other and Earth, granting us a clearer view from our vantage point. To catch the full line-up, which includes the challenging-to-spot Uranus and Neptune, individuals might want to mark their calendars and utilize tools like the Starwalk app for best observing times, with February 25 touted as an optimal date for those in New York City.
