Six-Planet Alignment Visible in Evening Sky on February 28
On February 28, 2026, six planets will align in the evening sky, with Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn visible to the naked eye, and Uranus and Neptune requiring optical aid.
On February 28, 2026, a rare celestial event will occur as six planets align in the evening sky. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope.
The optimal viewing time is approximately 30 to 60 minutes after sunset. Observers should look toward the western horizon, where Mercury, Venus, and Saturn will appear low in the sky, with Jupiter positioned higher.
Sara Mazrouei, a planetary scientist at Humber Polytechnic, noted that while such alignments are not once-in-a-lifetime events, seeing a larger group of planets at once is uncommon.
To distinguish planets from stars, Mazrouei suggests noting that stars twinkle due to atmospheric refraction, whereas planets shine steadily. Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn are expected to be among the brightest objects in the sky during this alignment.
For those unsure of what they're seeing, using free sky-viewing smartphone apps can help identify celestial objects when users point their device at the sky.