Seven planets to be visible in night sky for last time until 2040

For astronomy lovers, the year 2025 will offer a memorable moment when on Friday, February 28, seven planets of the Solar System will be observed aligned. This phenomenon, known as the Great Planetary Alignment, will include Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars in an arrangement that, while not a perfect alignment in the physical sense, will be a visual delight.

This is one of the most important events of the year for astronomy lovers, as it will not be repeated until 2040. Seven-planet alignments are extremely rare, making 2025 a special year for astronomical observing.

According to NASA, the planets in the solar system follow orbits around the Sun, but their trajectories are not exactly the same. However, because of the Sun's gravity, their paths lie within an imaginary line called the "ecliptic," which creates the illusion that the planets are approaching each other in the sky.

This phenomenon occurs because they all follow the same cosmic "trajectory", although their orbits vary slightly in inclination.

The alignment of the seven planets can be observed from both hemispheres. Those located near the equator, especially in the northern hemisphere, have better conditions, as the planets appear higher in the sky. In the far south, such as in Chile and Argentina, it is also possible to enjoy this phenomenon, although the planets are seen closer to the horizon. It is advisable to observe them just after sunset and during the first hours of the night.

How to enjoy the lineups?

For those who wish to witness this phenomenon, geographical location is crucial. Depending on where in the world the planets appear at different times and positions in the sky. Fortunately, today there are mobile applications and digital programs that allow you to track the location of planets and other celestial bodies in real time. According to Dr Edward Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich in the UK, this is "a unique opportunity to have seven planets essentially in one convenient place to find them."

"You actually only have a few minutes after sunset to see them before they disappear over the horizon. After that, Venus, Jupiter and Mars will remain clearly visible for much longer," Bloomer explains.

As the Sun sets, Saturn and Mercury also set, making them especially difficult to spot. Venus and Jupiter will be the easiest to see due to their brightness, while Mars will have a distinctive reddish hue.

"Uranus is technically visible to the naked eye, but you need perfect vision and ideal conditions," Bloomer explains.

We've already had some impressive sightings of the planets this year, such as in January, when Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus could be seen in alignment. But this week is the best to see the seven-planet cluster.

To increase your chances of seeing as many planets as possible, Dr. Bloomer advises heading to a location with a clear view of the horizon, where light pollution is minimal. When you reach a point where there is no artificial light, it takes some time to get used to natural light. "Take your time - it takes half an hour for your eyes to fully adjust," Bloomer says.

"Avoid looking at your phone, get comfortable and make sure you have a clear view of the horizon." While it's an exciting opportunity, Bloomer encourages people to get used to looking up at the night sky. "Watch how things change," he said. Watching the sky is "an opportunity to witness how the mechanics of the solar system work."