Throughout history, the heavens have fascinated humankind, drawing our gaze upward in awe and reflection. Tonight, on February 28, the celestial dance of the planets offers a rare and stunning display: a seven-planet alignment that won’t be seen again until 2040. This phenomenon, often called a “planetary parade,” reminds us of the intricate design of God’s creation and invites us to marvel at the beauty of the universe He has set in motion.
A Rare Celestial Event
On the last day of February, seven planets will appear to align in the night sky. Such planetary gatherings occur when multiple planets appear in the same portion of the sky simultaneously.
“A planetary parade is a moment when multiple planets are visible in the sky at the same time,” said Dr. Greg Brown, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, according to The Guardian. “How impressive a parade it is will depend on how many planets are in it and how visible they are.”
This month’s planetary alignment includes Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. While Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will be easily visible to the naked eye, “Mercury, Neptune, and Saturn are all very close to the horizon in the early evening and, particularly in the case of Neptune and Saturn, will struggle to be seen in the twilight,” Brown said. Binoculars or a telescope may be required to catch a glimpse of Uranus and Neptune.
A Reflection of Divine Order
For Catholics, celestial events such as this one provide an opportunity to reflect on God’s handiwork. The Book of Psalms proclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the works of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). The planets moving in perfect harmony remind us that God is a God of order, purpose, and beauty. Just as the planets follow the paths set for them, so too are we called to follow the divine path laid before us.
The Science Behind the Alignment
The rare planetary alignment occurs because “the planets in our solar system orbit the Sun within roughly the same plane, known as the ecliptic plane,” explained Dr. Shyam Balaji, a researcher in astroparticle physics and cosmology at King’s College London, according to The Guardian. “As they orbit at different speeds and distances from the Sun, there are moments when they appear to line up from Earth’s perspective.”
This celestial event, which last occurred in June 2023 and January 2024 with varying degrees of visibility, will reach a fuller manifestation this month. However, those eager to witness it must be mindful of the best viewing times. The Guardian reports that “the best time to see the alignment in the UK was 28 February, shortly after sunset, when the planets will be positioned above the western horizon.” The same recommendation applies to observers in the United States and Australia.
Observing the Event and Deepening Faith
For Catholics who wish to witness this event, experts suggest looking to the western horizon about 30 minutes after sunset. Stargazing apps can assist in locating the planets, and those using a telescope may even be able to spot “the moons of Jupiter or the shape of the illuminated part of Venus’s surface—like a tiny crescent moon,” according to Brown.
Observing such a magnificent display can also be an occasion for prayer and contemplation. As we gaze upon the celestial wonders, we can recall the words of St. Augustine: “Some people, in order to discover God, read books. But there is a great book: the very appearance of created things.” This planetary alignment is one such chapter in the divine book of creation, a moment to pause and give thanks to the Creator who fashioned the universe with such care and precision.
A Sign of Hope
The next time all seven planets will align in this way will be in 2040. Such rare occurrences remind us of the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. They also offer an opportunity to renew our trust in God’s providence. As the stars and planets move according to His design, so too can we trust that our lives are held in His loving hands.
In this planetary parade, we see not only a stunning natural event but a reflection of the divine order that governs all creation. Let us take this moment to admire the heavens, deepen our faith, and remember the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these: He leads out their army and numbers them, calling them all by name. By His great might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing”
