Rare Planetary Parade to Light Up Night Sky in February

Six planets will align in a celestial spectacle visible from Earth later this month.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Space enthusiasts are in for a treat at the end of February as six planets - Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune - will appear closely aligned in the night sky, creating a rare planetary parade or alignment. This phenomenon, where at least four or five planets can be seen together, is an uncommon celestial event that stargazers will have the chance to witness on February 28th.

Why it matters

Planetary alignments like this are relatively rare, with the last similar event occurring in 2016. These alignments provide a unique opportunity for amateur and professional astronomers alike to observe multiple planets simultaneously, offering insights into the dynamics of our solar system.

The details

According to NASA, the six planets will be visible across the sky, making this a particularly impressive planetary display. Stargazers will be able to spot the planets with the naked eye, though binoculars or a telescope may enhance the viewing experience.

  • The planetary parade will occur on February 28, 2026.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

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What’s next

Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare to witness this rare celestial event on February 28th.

The takeaway

The upcoming planetary parade in February 2026 is a unique opportunity for people to observe multiple planets aligned in the night sky, a relatively rare occurrence that provides valuable insights into the dynamics of our solar system.