Exciting times are returning for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts! The second of two planetary alignments will happen in a span of 40 days. This time instead of six planets, we'll be treated to SEVEN! Naked eye observers can expect to see four planets during each event, but adding binoculars or a telescope will help you see the rest.

Planetary alignment--when planets are on the same side of the sun and appear to line up in the night sky--is happening again to end February and begin March. While the planets always appear to form a line, seeing several planets visible to the naked eye at the same time doesn't happen every year. Planets of the solar system have differing orbital periods so it can take a while for several to appear together. For example, Mercury takes 88 days to orbit the sun while Jupiter takes about 12 years.

February Alignment

Like the alignment that happened last month, four of the planets will be visible to the naked eye (Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars), while the others will require a tool to help you (binoculars or a telescope). For viewers in North America, trying to see the planets in the days leading up to the 28th will likely produce the best viewing. In order to see Saturn during this alignment, you'll need to be ready as the sun goes down since it will be close to the sun and horizon. While Mercury can be viewed at times without an optical zoom, it will likely need it in this alignment due to its proximity to the sun.