Express & Star

The five West Midlands Dark Sky Discovery Sites to view rare seven-planet parade not visible again until 2040

Seven planets are to be visible this week for the last time until 2040 - here are the West Midlands Dark Sky Discovery Sites where you can get the best view.

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Seven planets - Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn - will be visible together in the night sky on Friday, February 28.

It is set to be the last time the seven planets will be visible simultaneously until 2040.

Artist's impression of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune in alignment
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will be aligned (Alamy/PA)

You are in with a chance of catching the planetary parade just after sunset.

While Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Mars will be visible to the naked eye, Saturn will be more difficult to see and a telescope will be needed to view Uranus and Neptune.

Dark Sky Discovery Sites

Dark Sky Discovery Sites are areas which provide good views of the sky, away from direct streetlighting, and are accessible to everyone.

Where are the West Midlands Dark Sky Discovery Sites?

Barr Beacon, Walsall

Cross Dyke Car Park, Church Stretton

Carding Mill Valley, Long Mynd

Shooting Box Car Park, Long Mynd

Pole Cottage, Long Mynd