Six planets align over Switzerland this week

In a rare celestial event, six planets will line up over Switzerland and be visible to the naked eye. Here’s where and when you should look to the sky in Switzerland.

Planetary parade visible on March 1

Not only is the weather set to be warm this week in Switzerland, but we will also be able to bask in the magic of a rare celestial event. There are currently five planets visible in the evening sky: Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn, Neptune and Mercury. But on the evening of March 1, Venus will join to create a six-part symphony.

The planets are simultaneously visible because they are all currently on the same side of the sun. Mars, however, is currently very close to the sun, so it is not visible in the night sky.

How to see the planets align over Switzerland

Known as a “planetary parade” (or “planetary party” by Blick), six planets will only be visible directly after sunset, which currently occurs earliest in St. Gallen at 6.04pm and latest in Geneva at 6.15pm.

If the weather is clear, you should be able to see the moon in the west, with Jupiter slightly to its right. Uranus will be parallel and in the centre of your view, while Saturn, Neptune, Mercury and Venus will appear in the southeast of the sky.

According to SRF Meteo, the weather looks reasonably clear for the next few days, so visibility should be good. Although there is the possibility of clouds, so check your local weather forecast. To get the best view, avoid areas with heavy light pollution, like cities, and head instead to a dark field, hill, forest or mountain.

This article originally featured on IamExpat Germany.