Six-Planet Alignment to Grace Evening Sky on February 28
On February 28, 2026, six planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will align in the evening sky, offering a rare celestial display visible shortly after sunset.
On the evening of February 28, 2026, skywatchers will have the opportunity to observe a rare alignment of six planets: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. This celestial event, often referred to as a "planetary parade," will be visible shortly after sunset.
To view the alignment, observers should look toward the western sky approximately 30 to 45 minutes after sunset. Mercury, Venus, and Saturn will appear low near the horizon, while Jupiter will be higher in the southern sky. Uranus and Neptune will also be part of the alignment but will require binoculars or a telescope to observe.
For optimal viewing, it's recommended to find a location with an unobstructed view of the western horizon, free from tall buildings or trees. The best viewing window is about 30 minutes after local sunset.
This type of planetary alignment, where multiple planets appear to line up from Earth's perspective, is uncommon. While such alignments occur every few years, it's rare to see more than four or five planets together without special equipment.
Weather conditions will play a crucial role in visibility. Clear skies are essential for observing this event, so it's advisable to check local weather forecasts in advance. If the sky is cloudy on February 28, the alignment may still be visible in the following days, though Mercury will quickly drop out as it swings closer to the sun from Earth's perspective.