How fitting is it that the planets decide to have a “Planetary Parade” during Mardi Gras weekend? #twinningwithspace
This phenomenon isn’t unheard of, though it is rare to see this many lined up, parading through space in all their planet glory!
The seven planets will be visible just after sunset, between sundown and 6:00 PM CST.
The year 2040 is when astronomers are telling us a seven-planet alignment like this will be visible again.
“Friday 28 February is the special date, with seven planets visible in the sky – if the night is clear,” says Associate Professor of Physics David Armstrong at The University of Warwick, UK.
Break out the telescopes or binoculars and head to a low-light environment to get the best view of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn, Neptune, and Mercury. These planets will appear as bright spots of light along an ecliptic line.
The planets can be found along this invisible line cast across the night sky. As the evening gets darker, some planets will disappear into the horizon, though most will be visible through the night.
Places like Pensacola Beach, Johnson Beach, Black Water State Park, and Gulf Islands National Seashore are just a few of the prime stargazing areas around town.
Lucky for Pensacola, the weather is supposed to be prime for stargazing this weekend. Whether you are celebrating at the actual Mardi Gras weekend festivities or have awaited this planetary excitement, take a look up in the sky as the sun sets for the night! You’ll be sure to get a stellar sight!
