Planetary parade aligning

Seven planets 'adorn' Earth's sky at the end of February, in what is known as a planetary parade, although some are difficult to spot with the naked eye.

These planetary encounters occur when several planets appear to align in the night sky at the same time. They are not in a straight line, but are close to one side of the sun.

The astronomical connection is quite common and can happen at least once a year, depending on the number of planets, according to the Associated Press ( AP ).

A parade of four or five naked-eye planets happens every few years, according to NASA.

A similar parade took place in June, but only two planets could be seen without any special equipment.

Six planets were visible in January — four with the naked eye — and now a faint Mercury joins the group.

This month, Venus, Mars and Jupiter are visible to the naked eye. Saturn and Mercury are close to the horizon, making them difficult to see. Uranus and Neptune can be seen with binoculars.

Planets will shine brighter than stars, and Mars will appear as a red-orange dot. Stargazing apps can help you choose where to look