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Six-Planet Parade Lines Up Along the Ecliptic as Jupiter Shines Brightest

The visual lineup reflected our line of sight along the ecliptic, making Uranus and Neptune optical targets.

Overview

  • Observers reported the best views about 30–60 minutes after sunset low toward the western to southwestern horizon.
  • Jupiter stood out as the brightest and most reliable sight, while Mercury, Venus and Saturn hugged the low western sky and set quickly.
  • Uranus and Neptune were not visible to the unaided eye, requiring binoculars or a telescope, with Neptune especially challenging.
  • The display was visible across many regions worldwide, though success depended on clear weather, a low horizon, light pollution and moonlight.
  • Astronomers cautioned against using optics before sunset and pointed to a total lunar eclipse in the early hours of March 3 as the next viewing target.