Rare 'Planetary Parade' Lights Up Night Sky This Month

Six planets will align in a cosmic conga line, offering a unique stargazing opportunity.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Stargazers are in for a treat later this month when six planets - Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune - will form a rare 'planetary parade' in the night sky. This celestial event, which hasn't occurred in over six months, will be visible to the naked eye in many areas, providing an exciting opportunity for amateur astronomers.

Why it matters

Planetary parades are a unique and tangible astrophysical phenomenon that allows people to directly observe the motion of the planets around the sun. While the planets aren't actually aligned, their appearance in the sky at the same time creates an optical illusion that fascinates both casual stargazers and serious astronomers.

The details

The planetary parade will be visible in the weeks leading up to February 28, 2026. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn will be easily seen with the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will require optical assistance. Optimal viewing conditions include clear skies away from city lights, such as in certain national and state parks. In New York City, the parade will be most visible around 30 minutes after sunset on February 28, which is around 6:16 PM.

  • The planetary parade will occur in the weeks leading up to February 28, 2026.
  • The parade will be most visible around 30 minutes after sunset on February 28, 2026, which is around 6:16 PM in New York City.

The players

Darryl Seligman

A professor of astronomy at Michigan State University who provided expert commentary on the planetary parade.

NASA

The U.S. space agency that provided information on which planets will be visible to the naked eye and which will require optical assistance during the event.

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What they’re saying

“The planetary parades are a really tangible and exciting, observable astrophysical phenomena.”

— Darryl Seligman, Professor of Astronomy, Michigan State University (The New York Post)

What’s next

Stargazers should check weather forecasts and plan to head to dark sky locations around 30 minutes after sunset on February 28, 2026 to catch the rare planetary parade.

The takeaway

This planetary parade offers a unique opportunity for both casual and serious stargazers to directly observe the motion of the planets around the sun. By heading to dark sky locations, people can enjoy this tangible astrophysical phenomenon and appreciate the grandeur of our solar system.