The Six-Planet Parade: A Rare Celestial Display Reveals Our Government’s Neglect of Science Education

At the end of February, an extraordinary astronomical event takes center stage: six planets will appear to parade across the night sky. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will cluster visibly after sunset—a spectacle that captivates skywatchers and connects us to the curiosity-driven scientists of centuries past. Yet while this planetary alignment offers a stunning reminder of our universe’s grandeur, it also highlights a glaring contradiction here at home. As these celestial bodies draw near in harmonious order, America’s leadership continues to falter in fostering the scientific literacy necessary for national security and economic prosperity. How Can We Cherish...