Kolkata: Don’t Miss the Planetary Parade in February

For those who missed the celestial show in January, February offers another incredible opportunity to catch up with a spectacular phenomenon known as the planetary parade. Over the course of most nights in February, all six naked-eye visible planets will be gracing the night sky.

Planetary Parade in February

This month, Jupiter and Venus will be particularly bright, while Mars and Saturn will appear as fainter dots in the night sky. To catch Uranus and Neptune, a fairly powerful telescope is required. From the perspective of Earth, these planets will trace an arched line along the ecliptic, the annual path the sun appears to follow across the celestial sphere.

Where to Spot the Planets

Mars, the red planet, will be visible near the eastern horizon, nestled in the constellation of Gemini. The brilliant Jupiter will be situated slightly higher in the sky, within the constellation of Taurus. The Waxing Gibbous Moon, in the constellation of Aries, will appear close to Jupiter and Uranus.

Neptune can be spotted in the constellation of Pisces, while Saturn, appearing yellowish, will be located in Aquarius. The most dazzling of them all, Venus, the “evening star,” will be easily visible in Pisces near the western horizon.

Live Viewing with BITM

The Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) is reviving its live viewing of this celestial event, having arranged shows since the end of January. Director in-charge Arnab Chatterjee explained, “When we organized the shows in January and the beginning of February, the response was overwhelming. We could not accommodate everyone due to time constraints. Thus, we decided to revive the show from February 28 so that all interested, particularly students, get to view them.”

Why This Planetary Parade is Special

What makes this planetary parade particularly special is the fact that all six planets will be visible above the horizon at night. This occurrence is not only rarely witnessed but also provides a prime opportunity for amateur astronomers and stargazers to marvel at the solar system from Earth.

Guiding Stars through the Night

To locate the planets, start with Jupiter, easily visible in the constellations of Taurus and Aries, where the Moon and Uranus are also situated. Mars, the red planet, will be close to Jupiter. Moving westward towards the horizon, Neptune will be visible in Pisces, followed by Saturn in Aquarius.

Venus, the brilliantly shining “evening star,” will complete the line-up. It will be the most prominent in the sky, sitting comfortably in Pisces near the western horizon.

Getting Started with Stargazing

For beginners, stargazing can be both exciting and challenging. However, with the naked eye, these planets are clearly visible as bright dots in the night sky. For a more detailed view, especially of Uranus and Neptune, a telescope will be essential.

Planetary Parade: A Monthly Occurrence?

Witnessing a planetary parade is not a daily occurrence. Typically, such a lineup happens every few years, making the upcoming planetary alignment a_rare celestial treat. February’s planetary parade offers a unique opportunity to see these cosmic wonders.

While the planetary parade is an exciting cosmic event, it’s also essential to stay updated with current events. The Delhi Election Results 2025 will soon be announced, providing insights into the future political landscape of India’s capital city. Keep an eye on Archynetys for the latest updates.