What’s this about a planet parade? On Feb 28, up until about 6:28 pm MT, all of the planets in our solar system will align on the same side of the Sun above the horizon, possibly giving some lucky viewers a chance to see all of them simultaneously.

Late February, however, is one of the more difficult times of the year to spot Uranus and Neptune, as their visibility is limited. You’ll need very clear and dark skies to see them. While they’ll be visible, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to see them with the naked eye, and even telescopic views may not offer much better results.

Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are always the easiest planets to spot. On the 28th, Saturn will drop below the horizon at 6:28 pm MT in Denver. Your window of opportunity to see all seven planets in the sky will be from around 5:52 pm when the sun sets until Saturn disappears for the night. The ecliptic—the path across which all seven planets align in the sky—runs west-to-east. After the sun sets at 5:52 pm, the four brighter planets will be visible along the western portion of the ecliptic. While Saturn will be the first to set, the remaining planets (especially Venus, Mars, and Jupiter) will stay visible for some time until they eventually dip below the horizon as the evening progresses.

We’ve received many emails, texts, and phone calls asking if the Chamberlin Observatory will be available to view the alignment. Unfortunately, we only have access to the observatory a few nights per week, and Friday night won’t be one of them.

Your best bet is to just step outside somewhere in or around Denver with good sightlines to the western horizon, where Saturn will be setting. The further east from the foothills you can get, the better your chances of seeing Saturn. Or, you can always go up to higher ground, like Red Rocks, to try and catch a glimpse of Saturn before it dips out of sight.

Here are some recommended spots in the Denver area for the best viewing of the alignment:

City Parks:

• City Park: This is a large, open space with a relatively unobstructed view of the western sky, especially farther from the mountains. You’ll have a good chance of seeing the alignment, including Saturn, before it sets.
• Washington Park: Another park with wide open spaces, perfect for viewing the western sky as the sun sets. Being farther east of the foothills, this park offers a great horizon view.

Higher Elevation Areas (for an even better view):

• Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Located in Morrison, this spot is slightly further west but sits high above the surrounding area, offering excellent views of the western sky without much interference from the mountains.
• Lookout Mountain: Located near Golden, this area provides a great vantage point with an unobstructed view of the western horizon and the planets. It’s high enough to clear any low-hanging obstructions.

Outskirts of Denver:

If you’re willing to drive a bit farther out, areas away from city lights will give you a better chance to spot all the planets, especially Uranus and Neptune, which are dimmer. Cherry Creek Reservoir or locations in Chatfield State Park are great for darker skies and a clear view of the horizon.