Astronomers and skywatchers anticipate a rare “planetary parade” as six planets align in the evening sky this month, with the spectacle peaking shortly after sunset on 28 February.
NASA confirms that Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter will appear together in a celestial line-up.
While the planets remain present throughout February, experts consider the end of the month the optimal time for viewing. Clear weather will allow observers to spot four of the six planets with the naked eye, though viewing Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or a telescope.
NASA explains that a planet must sit at least 10 degrees above the horizon for optimal visibility without instruments. The agency notes that Earth’s lower atmosphere blurs celestial light during sunrise and sunset, often making even bright planets difficult to see when they sit too low.
Additionally, buildings, trees, and other obstructions can block the view near the horizon. Those wishing to witness the alignment look westward approximately 30 minutes after sunset on 28 February.
This requires an unobstructed view of the west and clear skies. During the event, Uranus and Jupiter will sit high in the sky, while Venus and Mercury will stay closest to the horizon, followed by Saturn and Neptune.
This specific positioning may make it challenging for observers to see more than three planets simultaneously.
While one bright planet is visible on most nights, a naked-eye alignment of four or five planets occurs only every few years. NASA reports that the next similar events will take place in late October 2028 and again in February 2034.
Mercury, which completes its solar orbit in just 88 days, typically remains visible for only a brief period after sunset or before sunrise.
