A rare astronomical phenomenon will occur on Friday evening: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will align almost perfectly in the sky, forming a "seven-planet alignment" visible from Earth.
Although this is due to the planets' orbital paths aligning by chance, the alignment is the most precise in 300 years, with a span of 117°.
In the Northern Hemisphere, three of the brightest planets – Jupiter, Venus and Mars – will be visible to the naked eye.
An illutration of the solar system. /VCG
This alignment is the result of the planets' unique positioning within our solar system. While their orbits are elliptical, they lie roughly within the same plane, meaning they align from Earth's perspective at certain times.
This event is rare because the planets not only appear near each other but also align in a specific, narrow time window. The last occurrence of such a precise alignment was over 300 years ago, and the next won't happen for some time.
The alignment will be visible to the naked eye across much of the Northern Hemisphere. About 30 minutes after sunset, Venus, Jupiter and Mars will shine brightly in the western sky. The planets will gradually align, offering an unforgettable view.
Visibility will be best in areas with clear skies and minimal light pollution. In cities, it may be harder to spot all planets, but Saturn, Uranus and Neptune can be seen with a telescope.
Whether using binoculars, a telescope or just your eyes, this seven-planet alignment offers a rare chance to witness a phenomenon that only happens once every few centuries. It's a reminder of the vast beauty of our solar system.
(Cover: VCG)