Rare 'Parade in the Sky' to Dazzle North Dakota Skies

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On February 28, 2026, the residents of Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota will be able to witness a rare 'Parade in the Sky' where all the planets in our solar system will be visible in the night sky at the same time. This celestial event is set to captivate stargazers and is not expected to happen again until 2040.

Why it matters

This planetary alignment is a remarkable astronomical occurrence that only takes place once every 14 years. It provides a unique opportunity for North Dakotans to step outside and marvel at the wonders of our solar system, fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world and the awe-inspiring scale of the universe.

The details

During the 'Parade in the Sky', Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will all be visible in the night sky, spread across the heavens in a stunning display. While the planets won't form a perfectly straight line, their collective presence will create a mesmerizing celestial spectacle. Some of the brighter planets, such as Venus, Jupiter, and Mars, will be easily spotted with the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a small telescope to observe.

• The 'Parade in the Sky' will occur on February 28, 2026.
• This rare celestial event is not expected to happen again until 2040.

What’s next

Residents of Bismarck and Mandan are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare to step outside on the evening of February 28, 2026 to witness this once-in-a-decade celestial event.