Six Planets Align: A Rare Celestial Spectacle Coming Soon
Mark your calendars for the last week of February! Skywatchers are in for a treat as six planets will be visible in the night sky at the same time. This phenomenon, known as a planet parade, occurs only a few times a year.
Which Planets Will Be Visible?
This particular alignment will feature Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. It’s just one planet shy of a full set, a rare occurrence.
When and Where to Look
The Northern Hemisphere will secure its best glimpse around sunset during the last week of February. The viewing window will be short, roughly an hour before some planets dip below the horizon. Clear skies are essential.
Mercury and Venus will be right next to each other low in the western sky, whereas Saturn and Neptune will be clumped together nearby. Jupiter and Uranus will be positioned toward the southeast and remain visible longer into the night.
The best dates to view the parade in the US, Canada, and Mexico are February 21 to 28. Before February 21, Venus and Mercury will be too close to the sun. After March begins, Mercury will drift closer to the sun, ending the parade for those locations.
Visibility Around the Globe
The planet parade will be visible from many locations worldwide, including Tokyo, London, and throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Dates will vary based on location, but most places should have a viewing opportunity between February 21 and 28.
Spotting the Planets: A Guide
Venus is expected to be the brightest and easiest to spot. Use a sky map app like Stellarium (stellarium-web.org) to locate the other planets. Stellarium Mobile is also available for Android and iOS.
Do You Necessitate Special Equipment?
While some planets are visible to the naked eye, a telescope is recommended for the best viewing experience, especially for Uranus and Neptune. Astronomers suggest a minimum aperture of 8 inches and 50x magnification to see the rings of Uranus and Saturn. Higher magnification (around 150x) is needed to view Neptune’s rings.
Remember to avoid looking directly at the sun with a telescope, as this can cause eye damage. Find a location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing.
More Planet Parades to Come
This February parade is the first of three expected in 2026. Additional alignments are slated for April (five planets) and August (six planets), offering multiple opportunities to witness this celestial event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a planet parade? A planet parade occurs when several planets orbit to the same side of the Sun, appearing lined up from Earth’s perspective.
How rare is this event? While planetary alignments happen regularly, seeing six planets together in the evening sky is a relatively rare occurrence.
Can I see this with binoculars? While binoculars may help with some of the brighter planets, a telescope is recommended for the best view, especially for Uranus and Neptune.
Is it safe to look at the planets through a telescope? Yes, but never point a telescope directly at the sun without a proper solar filter.
