A Rare 'Planet Parade': Viewing the Great Planetary Alignment from the Piedmont Triad

Quick Guide for Busy Moms:
​

• What: All seven planets (besides Earth) visible in the sky at once - won't happen again until 2040!
• When: Friday, February 28, 2025, just after sunset (sunset begins at 6:15pm)
• Where: Look west from your backyard or local viewing spot
• Visible with naked eye: Venus, Mars, and Jupiter
• Need binoculars/telescope: Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune
• Weather: Friday evening is clear and 58° at 7pm in Winston-Salem 

Scroll down for tips on successful viewing!

​The night sky has a special treat in store for Piedmont Triad families this week! A remarkable "great planetary alignment" or "planet parade" is occurring, with all seven planets in our solar system (excluding Earth) gathered on the same side of the sun. This alignment reaches its peak on Friday, February 28, 2025—a celestial event that won't happen again until 2040! This offers the perfect opportunity for an evening of backyard astronomy and wonder with your children.

​​What's Happening in Our Sky?

​This rare alignment features Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune all visible in the western sky shortly after sunset. While astronomers use the term "alignment," the planets won't form a perfect straight line in space. Instead, they'll appear clustered in the same region of the sky from our perspective on Earth—still an impressive sight!

​The alignment has been building for weeks, but February 28th will offer the best opportunity to witness this astronomical gathering at its fullest. This is truly a special moment to share with your children, as they'll be teenagers or young adults before they have another chance to witness all seven planets gathered like this.

​​Making It a Family Event in Your Own Back Yard

​​This rare astronomical alignment offers a perfect excuse to create memories with your children.  You can go to an open park, or enjoy the view in your own back yard!  Here are some ideas to make your planetary viewing an event to remember:
​
Prepare a Cozy Viewing Spot

• Set up blankets or lawn chairs with a clear view of the western horizon
• Bring pillows and warm blankets 
• Pack hot chocolate or warm apple cider in thermoses
• Consider bringing dinner outside for a twilight picnic while you wait for darkness to fall

Turn It Into a Learning Adventure

• Print out a simple planet identification chart (available online)
• Challenge kids to spot each visible planet and check them off their chart
• Share fun facts about each planet as you identify them
• Ask younger children what they think each planet might be like to visit

Equipment Recommendations: Since not all planets will be visible to the naked eye, consider these viewing aids:
​

• Binoculars are sufficient for seeing Saturn and possibly Uranus
• A small telescope will help spot Neptune
• A smartphone sky map app can help you locate each planet
• Red flashlights (or regular flashlights covered with red cellophane) preserve night vision

​
​Tips for Successful Viewing

​For the best chance of seeing this alignment:
​

1. Timing is key: Head outside just after sunset (approximately 6:15 PM in late February for our region), facing west. The viewing window is relatively short, as some planets will set below the horizon within a couple of hours.
2. Know what to look for: Venus, Mars, and Jupiter will be the easiest to spot with the naked eye. Venus will appear as an extremely bright white "star," Jupiter as another bright light, and Mars with its distinctive reddish hue.
3. Start with the visible planets: Begin by finding Venus, Mars, and Jupiter—the most visible planets. Use these as reference points to locate the others.
4. Mercury challenge: Mercury will be the most difficult to spot due to its proximity to the sun. Look for it very low on the horizon just after sunset, but be careful never to look directly at the sun.
5. Be patient: Give your family's eyes about 15-20 minutes to adapt to the darkness for the best viewing experience.

​Why It Matters

​In our busy lives filled with screens and schedules, taking time to look up at the sky connects us to something larger. For children especially, witnessing planets aligned across millions of miles of space can spark curiosity and wonder about our universe.

This spectacular gathering won't happen again until 2040, so don't miss your chance to experience this celestial show with your family. It's a free, accessible activity that combines education with the simple joy of discovery—and it might just become one of those magical family moments your children remember for years to come.

So bundle up, head outside, look west, and prepare to be amazed at the cosmic neighborhood we call home. Even if you can only spot a few of the planets, knowing that all seven are gathered there makes this a truly special astronomical moment.
​
Want more family-friendly activities? Check out our complete calendar of free events here!
​