Look at the sky, you will see a rare alignment of planets that will only return in 2492

The year 2025 will be marked by impressive astronomical phenomena, a true gift for night sky enthusiasts. Among the highlights is the rare alignment of seven planets in the Solar System, scheduled for February 28th. Either you see it now, or else you will have to wait for the year 2492!

But... what are planetary alignments?
Planetary alignments occur when several planets in the solar system appear close to each other in the same region of the sky, usually forming a line or arc visible from Earth.
Although the term “alignment” suggests that the planets are perfectly aligned in a straight line, this rarely happens. In practice, they only appear close together in the sky due to their relative positions relative to Earth.
The planets move in different orbits around the Sun. When, viewed from Earth, several of these planets are located in the same general direction, creates the illusion of alignment in the sky.

Alignment types

Partial: Only a few planets appear aligned or close together.
Total: Includes all planets visible to the naked eye (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn).
Raro: When all the planets, including those visible only with telescopes (like Uranus and Neptune), align.

Visibility

It depends on atmospheric conditions and the time at which the planets are visible (usually dawn or dusk).
An alignment may last several nights, but the planets constantly move, changing the configuration.

Importance and impact

Astronomical: Allows you to study the movement of the planets and observe rare phenomena.
Cultural: Some alignments have been associated with historical events or mythological beliefs.
Physical reality: Planetary alignments have minimal gravitational effects on Earth, without significant consequences.


The alignments for 2025
In January this year, the first of three alignments planned for 2025 will take place. night of January 21stit will be possible to see four planets at the same time in the sky, following an imaginary line. Venus and Saturn will be visually very close, and will be seen in the southwestern sky in the early evening hours, with Jupiter high in the sky and Mars in the east.
Mars is the only planet that will actually be opposite the Sun in relation to Earth, forming a straight line, a phenomenon that happens every two years.
Uranus and Neptune will also be aligned, but a telescope will be needed to identify them.
Em February 28a seventh planet, Mercury, will appear at the same time in the sky. Meanwhile, in August 11it will be possible to observe up to six planets: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn. In both cases, it will be necessary to use a telescope to identify all the celestial bodies.



Don't lose sight of the planets
There are some websites that can help you map the sky. THE Time and Date allows you to place the city where you are and know the sunrise and sunset times on our planet and neighboring planets, as well as the place in the sky where each of them, and some constellations can be seen and how difficult it will be to see them .
O Stellarium has a similar tool that shows the positions of all the planets.