Brits have rare chance to spot six planets in spectacular night sky 'alignment'

A spectacular line-up of seven planets will be visible under UK skies during peak conditions, experts say - and the rare 'planetary parade' won't be seen again until 2040

Stargazing Brits will have the rare chance to witness a remarkable alignment of the planets from tonight.

As many as seven planets from across the galaxy could be appear in the night sky at the exact same time - though two of them will be a bit trickier to spot. For the next month, Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn should be visible to the naked eye during the 'planetary parade' under clear skies, as well as the Moon.

Ice planet Uranus and gas giant Neptune will also be able to be viewed through a telescope or binoculars, where they will appear as green-blue spots of light. Mercury will also appear later in February.

This spectacular celestial display has already started and will last throughout February, with the best results likely earlier in the month. British astrophotographer Josh Dury captured the event from an advantageous spot on the Mendip Hills in Somerset - and offered a few tips on how to get the best snaps.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: "Now is a really exciting time to look up at the night sky. The bright planets will certainly be visible like Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. For the dimmer planets, Uranus and Neptune, you may want to use a pair of binoculars or a small telescope to see those."

A planetary parade is the astronomical term used to describe the close gathering of planets closely on one side of at the same time. However, it is unusual for the line-up to involve quite so many planets. Mercury will be visible along with the six other planets in the last week of February, making it a rare seven-planet alignment visible in the sky. It's something you should enjoy while you can, as the next planetary alignment visible from Earth is not expected to occur until 2040.