CLEVELAND, Miss. — A spectacular celestial event is set to take place on Friday, February 28, as a rare alignment of seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—graces the early evening sky. To prepare skywatchers for this extraordinary sight, Delta State University’s Wiley Planetarium will host a free live show, Planetary Alignment 101, on Thursday, February 27, at 6:30 p.m.
During this engaging presentation, attendees will learn about planetary alignments, tips for viewing the event themselves on the following night and participate in guided naked-eye stargazing outside—weather permitting. This rare seven-planet alignment will not occur again for another 15 years, making this a must-see opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, February 27
- Time: 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:15 p.m.)
- Location: Delta State’s Wiley Planetarium, Eleanor Boyd Walters Hall | Science Building, Room 124 & 125 (Highway 8 West, Cleveland, MS 38733)
- Admission: Free. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The planetarium show will last approximately 30 minutes, followed by a guided naked-eye stargazing session. Stargazing will first take place in the parking lot next to the planetarium before moving to the less light-polluted quad in front of the Student Union for a better view of constellations and stars.
With favorable weather conditions expected on February 27 and 28, don’t miss this unique chance to witness a stunning cosmic alignment!
For more information, contact:
Assistant Professor of Physics and Planetarium Director Dr. Maria Weber
Phone: (662) 846-4626
Website: www.deltastate.edu/planetarium
