A rare alignment of seven planets will be visible in the Minnesota skies tonight, offering the state’s best chance to witness this spectacular phenomenon. The alignment includes five bright planets (Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Saturn) and two fainter ones (Neptune and Uranus).
According to night sky watcher “Astro” Bob King, of Duluth, Mercury, the smallest planet, is joining the others for the first time in years. The alignment will be visible after dusk, but only briefly before setting.
The best viewing conditions are needed to spot all seven planets. Five of them can be seen with the naked eye on a clear night, while Neptune and Uranus require binoculars or a telescope.
To witness this rare parade, start looking at the west-southwest horizon for Mercury and Saturn. The planets will disappear from view just over an hour after sunset. King recommends using binoculars to aid in spotting these distant worlds.
The alignment consists of Venus, the brightest planet, visible with ease in the Pisces constellation; Uranus, appearing faint but greenish with the aid of binoculars; and Neptune, a dark and cold planet requiring large equipment.
Source: https://www.startribune.com/rare-parade-of-seven-planets-visible-in-minnesota-sky-soon/601224127