Dundee stargazers have a one last chance to view the Planet Parade - a stunning planetary alignment which will occur in the evening sky for the final time in this sense until 2040.
Once more, Mills Observatory will open their doors to the public to witness this celestial wonder, delivering an unforgettable vision of planets together in the night sky!
When and where to watch?
February 28 will be your last guaranteed night to view the spectacle.
The best conditions for viewing will be on nights with clear weather through to the end of the week, when the planets should be visible not long after dark.
Mills Observatory, which has its base on Balgay Hill, where observers are guaranteed to have the best view to see the alignment up close.
This is Dundonians' final opportunity to see a planetary alignment of this magnitude for the next couple of decades, so it is not to be missed by space enthusiasts and casual spectators alike.
Visits to Mills Observatory are free, although donations are appreciated in order to sustain its regular public programmes.
Mills Observatory is open from 4-10pm on Mondays to Fridays, and 6.30-10pm on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.
What will be visible?
In the evening, just after sunset, seven planets—Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars—will align in the sky.
Four of them (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars) will be easily visible to the naked eye.
For Uranus and Neptune, binoculars or a small telescope will be necessary. Saturn will be the most challenging target to observe.
Although the next planetary alignment will occur in 2028, the next one on this scale, with seven planets aligning, won’t be visible again for another 16 years.
What are the weather conditions?
Friday 28 February is currently scheduled for clear skies with a chance of passing clouds.
February 22 - 🌙 Clear skies
February 23 - ☁️ Cloudy (observatory closed)
February 24 - 🌙☁️ Partly cloudy skies
February 25 - 🌙 Clear skies
February 26 - 🌧️ Light rain
February 27 - 🌙☁️ Partly cloudy skies
February 28 - 🌙 Clear skies
The weather, of course, is subject to change - but looking at the current forecast: Tonight, Tuesday and Friday are the best nights to head to the observatory!
Don't let this opportunity slip away - go to Mills Observatory before the planets pass out of position!
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