Feb 26, 2025 - News

Look up! Seven-planet parade may grace Seattle skies

Christine Clarridge

A night sky filled with stars with the silhouette of a tree in the foreground. — With a little help from binoculars or a telescope, plus clear skies, you could spot up to seven planets aligning in the night sky this week. Photo: Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images

Sharp-eyed Seattle skywatchers might see a rare planetary alignment Friday night if the clouds cooperate, with seven planets visible in the evening sky.

Why it matters: What makes this event special is that the planets will be in roughly the same region of the sky during the dark sky phase of a new moon, offering a better chance for visibility.

State of play: Look for Mercury, Venus and Saturn low on the western horizon shortly after sunset, according to EarthSky.

Jupiter, which will be high in the south, and Mars, high in the east, will be bright and visible for hours after dark, per EarthSky's John Goss.

Yes, but: You'll need a telescope or binoculars to see Uranus, in the southwestern sky shortly after sunset, or Neptune, close to the setting sun, per Time and Date.

The bottom line: Try Alki Beach for a wide-open western horizon view, or head up into the mountains for broad views and darker skies.

Even if you miss a few planets Friday, there will be more viewing chances in March.

Add Axios on Google

Look up! Seven-planet parade may grace Seattle skies

More Seattle stories