- Paper Plate Education Serving the Universe on a Paper Plate 2002 Spring Planets Planet positions on May 5, 2002 In Spring 2002 the visible planets nearly align in the same general direction east of the sun. This translates into a stunning view at and after sunset, with the planets strung out in a line left and upwards of the set sun. After a day of paced dancing, each planet is in a slightly ...analyzer.depaul.edu/paperplate/2002%20Spring%20Planets.htm