UP research unit opens observatory to visitors for ‘Parade of Planets’

The University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics (UP NISMED) has invited the public to witness the alignment of seven planets on February 28.

With the Parada ng mga Planeta (Parade of Planets), visitors will get the chance to see the alignment of Mercury, Saturn, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars.

The UP NISMED Observatory will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

It is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.

NASA earlier announced that Saturn, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars will be visible in the night sky in January.

According to PAGASA, the alignment of six planets will still be present until around February 20.

The inclusion of Mercury in this astronomical event marks the rare planetary alignment of seven planets, which will be observed from February 21 to 28.

“Three (3) planets will be readily visible – Venus, Jupiter, and Mars – while Saturn and Mercury will be challenging to observe due to their low position in the sky,” PAGASA said.

“Meanwhile, Neptune and Uranus can only be viewed using a modest telescope or high-powered binoculars,” it added. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News