How to spot February’s parade of 7 planets, according to astronomers | CNN

CNN - Feb 27th, 2025

Sky-watchers have a celestial delight as February concludes with a rare parade of seven planets visible across the night sky. This planetary alignment includes Mercury, Uranus, Neptune, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. Spotting all of them can be challenging due to their positions relative to the sun. Mercury and Saturn, close to the sun, may be obscured by its glare, though Mercury will become more visible over time. Venus and Jupiter's brightness makes them easier to spot, while Mars displays its distinctive reddish-orange hue. Telescopes or binoculars are recommended for Uranus and Neptune, which are typically invisible to the naked eye.

The alignment is due to the planets' orbits around the sun, which form a flat disk from Earth's perspective, creating a curved line across the sky. This February is unique as the planets are on the same side of the sun, appearing together in the night sky. This event highlights the dynamic nature of our solar system's celestial mechanics, offering a rare opportunity for both amateur and professional astronomers to observe a spectacular cosmic display. The Virtual Telescope Project offers a live stream for those unable to witness the event due to weather conditions, ensuring that everyone can experience this astronomical phenomenon.

Earth Sky Mars Astronomy Venus Saturn Jupiter Planet Parade Mercury Uranus Neptune Sky Gazing Night Sky Celestial Event Shannon Schmoll Emily Elizondo John Goss Seth Jacobson

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and accurate overview of the February planetary alignment, supported by credible expert insights. It excels in clarity and readability, making a complex astronomical event accessible to a general audience. The article is timely and of public interest, offering practical advice for sky-gazers. However, it could benefit from greater transparency in explaining the methodology behind the observations and a broader range of perspectives, including cultural or historical contexts. While it effectively engages readers interested in astronomy, its potential to provoke controversy or drive significant societal impact is limited. Overall, the article is a strong piece of science communication, with minor areas for improvement in source variety and transparency.

Accuracy

The article accurately describes the planetary alignment occurring in February, noting the visibility of seven planets, including Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. It correctly states that Uranus and Neptune require optical aids for viewing, aligning with astronomical data. The article also accurately mentions that Mercury and Saturn will be challenging to spot due to their proximity to the sun. However, it could provide more precise data on the exact dates and times for optimal viewing, which would enhance its precision. Overall, the factual basis is strong, supported by expert statements, but some details could benefit from additional verification.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including insights from multiple experts, such as Shannon Schmoll, Marcy Curran, and Emily Elizondo. This diversity offers a well-rounded perspective on the planetary alignment. However, the article focuses primarily on the scientific and observational aspects, potentially omitting cultural or historical perspectives on planetary alignments. Including such viewpoints could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the event's significance.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear and concise language that makes the complex topic of planetary alignment accessible to a general audience. The structure is logical, beginning with an introduction to the event and followed by specific details about visibility and expert advice. The use of direct quotes helps clarify the information, and the tone is neutral, focusing on factual reporting. Overall, the article is easy to understand and informative.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including experts from Michigan State University and the EarthSky organization. These sources are authoritative in the field of astronomy, enhancing the article's reliability. The use of direct quotes from these experts adds credibility. However, the article could improve by incorporating a wider range of sources, such as international astronomical organizations, to provide a more global perspective on the event.

Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, clearly attributing information to specific experts and organizations. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodology used to gather the observational data or how the experts' recommendations were formed. Providing more context on how the planetary positions were calculated or why certain planets are visible could improve transparency and help readers understand the basis of the claims.