Skywatchers are in for a rare celestial treat this week as seven planets will be visible simultaneously in the evening sky.
Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn will create what astronomers call a 'planetary parade'.
This spectacular alignment won't occur again until 2040, making it a must-see astronomical event.
The phenomenon offers a brief window to observe all seven planets at once, though some will require optical aids to spot.
This spectacular alignment won't occur again until 2040, making it a must-see astronomical event
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Four of the planets - Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars - will be visible to the naked eye.
Saturn will be harder to spot as it will be low on the horizon, and Uranus and Neptune will require a telescope to see.
Venus and Jupiter will be the easiest to identify due to their brightness, and Mars will also stand out with its distinctive reddish colour.
"Uranus is technically visible with the naked eye, but you'd need perfect eyesight and ideal conditions," explains Dr Edward Bloomer from the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
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Mars will stand out with its distinctive reddish colour
GettyThe best chance to see this rare alignment will be just after sunset on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week. February 28 in particular offers optimal viewing conditions, according to experts.
"Mercury will be a bit higher and a bit easier to see," explains Professor Albert Zijlstra from The University of Manchester.
The viewing window will be brief, particularly for Saturn and Mercury.
"You really only have a few minutes after sunset to catch them before they drop below the horizon," warns Dr Bloomer.
"This kind of event is rare," says Professor Zijlstra, noting the next similar alignment won't occur until September 8, 2040.
Dr Bloomer describes it as "a rare opportunity to have seven planets in essentially a convenient place for you to look for them."
Both experts emphasise the need for patience when planet-spotting.
For the best viewing experience, find a location with a clear view of the horizon and minimal light pollution
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"If you just pop out of your kitchen into your back garden, you will take time to adjust to the light levels. Give it a bit of time - your eyes take about half an hour to fully adjust," advises Dr Bloomer.
For the best viewing experience, find a location with a clear view of the horizon and minimal light pollution.
"Best to find a place with a clear view to the horizon, without bright city lights in that direction, and take your time," suggests Professor Zijlstra.
"Avoid looking at your phone, get comfortable, and ensure you have an unobstructed view," Dr Bloomer added.
The planets in our solar system orbit the Sun within roughly the same flat plane as Earth.
As they orbit at different speeds and distances, there are moments when they appear to line up from our perspective.
This creates a spectacular visual display, although the planets remain separated by vast distances in space.
Dr Bloomer encourages people to make a habit of stargazing beyond this special event.
"See how things change," he said, adding that observing the heavens is "a chance to witness the ongoing mechanics of the solar system at work."
