If you're a fan of space, last year had plenty to be excited about. The most obvious event was the total solar eclipse, which briefly blocked out the sun for much of the US and one tiny corner of Michigan.

Aside from this, Michiganders in the lower peninsula could witness the Northern Lights, a comet not seen in 80,000 years was in the morning sky, and Earth gained a "mini-moon" in October. Now, 2025 is getting a rare space event in the form of a "Planetary Parade", and you'll be able to witness it.

Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media
Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media
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Michigan's "Planetary Parade"

Humans have been stargazing since ancient times. Without the assistance of a telescope, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are all visible to the naked eye (if you know where to look). Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, and Mercury will be visible most of February. However, on February 28th, all seven other planets in the Solar System will appear in the night sky at the same time, all in a line. 

Michal4767 via YouTube
Michal4767 via YouTube
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Since all planets orbit around the Sun at their own pace, it isn't uncommon for planets to align from time to time. However, to have this many planets align at once is incredibly rare. According to Space Walk, Neptune and Uranus will require a perfectly dark, clear sky, and powerful binoculars to be witnessed. If you want to see Saturn, you'll need to watch it right as the sun sets.

READ MORE: The Curious Case of Caledonia’s Lone Meijer Gas Station |

The best place to view space events like this is the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, two miles west of Downtown Mackinaw City. It is open all day, every day. You can learn how to identify each planet here.

Canva
Size is not accurate. Planets are viewable like this for representation only. / Canva
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Fourteen Michigan Natives Have Spent Time in Space

Solar Eclipse 2024

Gallery Credit: Randy Kirby