This Week Is Your Final Chance To See The ‘Planet Parade’ — Here’s How

Forbes - Mar 16th, 2025
Open on Forbes

The Great Planet Parade of 2025 offers a rare chance to view multiple planets in the post-sunset sky. Currently, five planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Mercury, and Venus—are visible, though Uranus requires a telescope. Saturn and Neptune were part of the spectacle earlier but are now lost in the sun's glare. To catch a glimpse of Venus and Mercury, observers should be ready 45 minutes after sunset, as these planets will soon disappear from view. Venus, in particular, is about to pass into the sun's glare during its inferior conjunction on March 22.

This celestial event is significant as such planetary alignments are rare, occurring once every few decades. The phenomenon is a visual treat, showcasing the alignment of planets along the ecliptic plane. The current alignment will not be visible again until 2036, marking this as a unique opportunity for stargazers. While Venus and Mercury will soon vanish, Jupiter and Mars remain visible, providing ongoing opportunities for observation. The next notable planetary parade will occur on August 29, 2025, featuring six planets visible before sunrise.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely overview of a current astronomical event, the planetary parade, offering practical guidance for observers. Its strengths lie in its clarity, readability, and engagement potential, making it accessible and appealing to a general audience interested in stargazing.

However, the article could benefit from improved transparency and source quality, as it lacks explicit citations and references to authoritative sources. While the information aligns with known astronomical data, providing direct attributions would enhance credibility and reliability.

Overall, the article effectively informs readers about the planetary parade, encouraging engagement with astronomy, though it could be strengthened by incorporating expert perspectives and broader context.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately describes the presence of five planets in the post-sunset night sky, including Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Mercury, and Venus, with the note that Uranus is not visible to the naked eye. This aligns with astronomical reports indicating the visibility of these planets, though Uranus typically requires a telescope. The description of Saturn and Neptune's positions, having disappeared into the sun's glare, accurately reflects their current celestial positions, as Saturn recently passed behind the sun.

The article correctly mentions Venus nearing its inferior conjunction with the sun on March 22, which is a verified astronomical event. However, the claim about the rarity of such planetary alignments, suggesting it hasn't happened for 40 years and won't occur again until 2036, requires further verification. While the article provides a general overview of the planetary parade, it could benefit from more precise data regarding the frequency of these celestial events.

Overall, the story is factually accurate regarding the current visibility of the planets and their celestial movements. It provides a reliable guide for stargazers interested in observing these events, although some claims about the rarity of alignments could be more thoroughly substantiated.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the planetary parade, focusing on the observable aspects and providing tips for viewers. It does not exhibit any apparent bias or favoritism towards any particular perspective, as it primarily aims to inform readers about the celestial event.

However, the article could have enhanced its balance by including expert opinions or quotes from astronomers to provide a more rounded perspective on the significance of the event. Additionally, discussing the scientific implications or historical context of such planetary alignments could have enriched the narrative, offering readers a more comprehensive understanding.

While the article maintains neutrality and provides a straightforward account of the event, broadening its scope to include additional perspectives would have improved its balance.

8
Clarity

The article is written in clear and accessible language, making it easy for readers to understand the information about the planetary parade. The structure is logical, with a straightforward presentation of the celestial events and guidance on how to observe them.

The tone is neutral and informative, focusing on providing practical information for stargazers. The use of descriptive language, such as describing Venus's crescent shape and the atmospheric effects on its light, enhances the reader's visualization of the event.

Overall, the article's clarity is strong, with a well-organized structure and clear language that effectively conveys the information to a general audience.

6
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite sources, which affects the perceived reliability and authority of the information presented. While the details align with general astronomical data, the absence of direct attributions or references to authoritative sources like astronomers or scientific institutions limits the article's source credibility.

Incorporating quotes or data from reputable astronomical organizations or experts would have strengthened the article's authority and reliability. The lack of source diversity and attribution makes it challenging to assess the depth of research behind the claims, although the information aligns with known astronomical facts.

Overall, the article would benefit from more explicit sourcing to enhance its credibility and provide readers with confidence in the information's accuracy.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of disclosing the methodology or sources used to gather the information presented. While the facts align with general astronomical knowledge, the absence of explicit references or explanations of how the conclusions were reached leaves readers without a clear understanding of the basis for the claims.

Transparency could be improved by providing citations or references to astronomical data or expert opinions, which would clarify the origins of the information and lend credibility to the article. Additionally, explaining any assumptions or limitations in the data would enhance the article's transparency and allow readers to better assess its reliability.

The article's transparency is limited by its lack of explicit sourcing and explanation of claim bases, which affects its overall trustworthiness.

Sources

  1. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/planetary-parade-alignment-space/
  2. https://www.farmersalmanac.com/planet-parade-2025
  3. https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news/seven-planet-parade-28-february-2025
  4. https://www.space.com/stargazing/planetary-parade-february-2025-when-where-and-how-to-see-it
  5. https://starwalk.space/en/news/what-is-planet-parade