Rare 'planet parade' to be visible over Ireland

A rare planetary alignment, which will see six planets line up in a row across the night sky, is due to take place from tonight for the first time since 2018.

Also known as a 'planet parade', it means Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, while Neptune and Uranus will be visible through a telescope.

Most people in the northern hemisphere will be able to see the planet parade until 28 February.

Resident Astronomer at the Blackrock Observatory in Cork, Danielle Wilcox, explained the significance of tonight’s alignment.

She said: "We don’t get so many planets all at once in the sky. We have times when one or two planets are visible but to have multiple is a spectacular event."

The astronomer outlined that people could expect to see "four naked eye planets with no telescope" and said "it’s a good way to start getting to know the night sky".

According to Ms Wilcox, 27 February will be the best evening to lay eyes on the planets as there will be no moon in the sky - making fainter planets easier to see without its bright light.

"If you have no equipment, you'll see Venus and it'll look like a really bright star, Saturn will look like a small star," Ms Wilcox explained.

"Jupiter is also very bright and while Mars is not as bright or big, it's red, so you'll be able to see it with your eyes."

She added: "If you have binoculars or a small telescope, you'll see more details like the Galilean moons and the rings on Saturn."

Skywatchers have until the end of February to catch a glimpse of the celestial spectacle.