US Edition6 planets will parade across the night sky at the end of February
The rare planetary parade includes six planets visible mostly to the naked eye, with Uranus and Neptune requiring telescopes, peaking on Feb. 28 and lasting several days.
- On Saturday, February 28, a rare six-planet parade will appear shortly after sunset in the western sky, presenting an uncommon multi-planet grouping.
- Astronomers note that the planets appear grouped because they follow the ecliptic, the Solar System's shared orbital plane, and NASA says parades of six or seven planets are uncommon.
- Look west about 30 minutes to 1 hour after sunset from dark, unobstructed sites like ocean beaches and bring binoculars and a 6-inch telescope.
- Visibility will depend on weather, and the parade should be visible over the weekend if skies cooperate, with Mercury dipping below the horizon soon after sunset and the waxing gibbous moon about 92% illuminated near the Beehive Cluster.
- Historically, last February's seven-planet lineup—a rare event—won't recur until 2040, highlighting the rarity of such celestial displays, with a total lunar eclipse following on March 3.
160 Articles
160 Articles
Is a planet parade happening? What to know before you look up into the sky this week
You’ve probably seen a few headlines and social media posts about a planetary parade unfolding this week, many of them talking of “six planets set to align perfectly in the night sky."
New York.— Six planets are connecting in the sky at the end of February, and most will be visible to the naked eye. It is what is known as a planetary parade, which occurs when several planets seem to line up in the sky at once. Planets are not in a straight line, but are very close together on one side of the sun. Sky observers are often able to detect two or three planets after sunset, according to NASA. The four or five leftovers that can be …
An Astronomical Spectacle Is Coming: an Impressive Array of Planets Will Be Visible to the Naked Eye
From February 28, 2026, with clear skies, the planets Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye. Uranus and Neptune will only be visible with binoculars or a telescope.
An unusual planetary alignment marks the astronomical calendar of this 2026. It is an unusual appointment that will allow us to observe Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune in the same strip of the sky. This is relevant because seeing one or two planets on a clear night is usual, but when it reaches four or more, we speak of a rare phenomenon. And on this occasion the protagonists are going to be these six. However, this term may …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
