Baku: An intriguing astronomical event, known as the ‘great planetary parade,’ will be visible from Baku on the evening of February 28, as reported by the Faculty of Physics, Department of Astrophysics at Baku State University (BSU) to APA.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, this rare event will allow the simultaneous observation of six planets-Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune-in a specific part of the sky after sunset. While four of these planets will be visible to the naked eye, two will require optical instruments for observation. The rarity of such events, combined with the convenience of evening visibility, enhances their appeal.
Venus, noted for its brightness, along with Jupiter and Saturn, will be easily distinguishable in the sky. Mercury, being close to the horizon, will be best observed from locations with an open horizon, such as seaside areas and places away from city lights. Observers will need binoculars or a telescope to view Uranus and Neptune.
In Baku, the optimal
time to observe this phenomenon will be between 19:10 and 20:30. The event is categorized as a ‘great planetary parade,’ a rare occurrence that happens approximately once every 10-20 years, making the favorable evening conditions for observation even more noteworthy.