When we have five or more planets filing into a small sky area, an alignment is upgraded to parade status. Parade is not an official astronomical term and is used fast, loose and with a touch more whimsy than space experts usually allow for.

This week, the night sky is treating us to a unique astronomical phenomenon: a 'planet parade' featuring Earth's seven celestial neighbors.

Houstonians will be able to see seven planets in the sky this weekend in what's called a planetary parade. Unfortunately, however, some may not be spotted with the naked eye. Just after dark, it will be possible to view Mercury,

An alignment of seven planets will be visible in Friday's evening sky. Here's when and where to view the celestial phenomenon from Texas.