The Director of the Astronomy and Space Sciences Unit at the University of Colombo’s Department of Physics, Prof. Chandana Jayaratne, says that a rare celestial phenomenon is currently taking place, allowing Sri Lankans the observation of seven planets of the solar system aligned in a row.

According to Professor Jayaratne, this remarkable event will be visible from Sri Lanka after sunset from today (25) until February 28. 

He further explained that all planets of the solar system, except Earth, can be seen following a common path during this period.

The phenomenon, known as an alignment, will allow Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn to be visible without any optical assistance, according to NASA. To catch Neptune and Uranus, you’ll need the help of a telescope.

Combinations of neighboring seven planets have been visible throughout January and February as well. 

This spectacular display will not occur again until 2040, said Prof. Chandana Jayaratne.

Best Viewing Tips:

To observe this rare spectacle, it is recommended to go to a location with a reasonable horizon, preferably on top of a tall building or a hilltop with no street lights.

Since all the planets follow the same general path across the sky, they can be spotted by looking along an imaginary line drawn from west to east. Although they appear in an arc, they are not actually arranged in a straight line in space, said Prof. Jayaratne.

• Just after sunset, start by looking west, above the spot where the Sun has set. Venus will be the brightest in the western sky, with Saturn and Mercury just below it.

• Draw a line between the two planets, Saturn and Venus, then follow that line upwards to find Jupiter high overhead.

• Continuing along this line, Mars will be visible glowing red to the east.

• The other two planets are not visible to the naked eye. With a telescope and some practice, you can spot Neptune glowing blue between the Mercury and Venus, then Uranus just to the west of Jupiter

In August 2025, another alignment will occur when four planets will be visible at once before sunrise.