KARACHI:
A rare celestial alignment will unfold in the evening sky this weekend as six planets — Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — appear strung out across the horizon in what astronomers describe as a “planetary parade”.
The spectacle, expected to draw skywatchers across Pakistan, will begin on Saturday (tomorrow), and continue into early March, offering a brief but striking opportunity to observe multiple planets at once.
While planetary alignments are not uncommon in astronomical terms, the chance to see so many worlds in a single sweep of the sky — particularly without optical aid — remains a compelling draw for enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Professor Dr Javed Iqbal, Chairman of the Institute of Space Science and Technology at the University of Karachi, said these six planets will appear in the evening sky on February 28, forming a rare ‘planetary parade’.”
“The best time to observe this phenomenon will be approximately 30 minutes after sunset, when the planets will be stretched across the sky from west to east,” he explained. “Four of the six planets — Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter — will be visible without a telescope,” he said.
“Uranus and Neptune can also be seen with binoculars or a telescope,” he added. “The most favourable viewing period for this rare planetary parade will extend from the end of February to the beginning of March, with February 28 marking its peak.”
Detailing the viewing direction, Dr Iqbal explained: “The alignment will extend from the western horizon — where Mercury, Venus and Saturn will appear — towards the east, where Jupiter will be visible, while Uranus will be positioned relatively higher in the south-western sky.”
Astronomers note that although the planets are always broadly aligned along the ecliptic — the plane in which they orbit the Sun -— differences in their speeds and positions occasionally bring them into the same side of the sky from Earth’s perspective, creating the impression of a coordinated formation.
Experts advise observers to wait until after sunset before attempting to spot the lower-lying planets, as looking directly at the Sun can cause serious eye damage. If weather conditions remain clear, the display should be visible across much of the country.
The phenomenon will also be observed from the University of Karachi’s observatory, where enthusiasts are expected to gather for the event.
