6 Planets to Parade Across Night Sky in Late February

Rare planetary alignment will be visible to the naked eye for stargazers.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Six planets - Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune - will be visible in the night sky at the end of February, with most able to be seen with the naked eye. This is known as a "planetary parade" and is an uncommon celestial event that occurs every few years when multiple planets appear to line up on one side of the sun.

Why it matters

Planetary parades are a rare and fascinating astronomical event that allow amateur stargazers a chance to see multiple planets at once, connecting them to the ancient astronomers who also marveled at the night sky. This particular parade features six planets, an even more uncommon occurrence.

The details

The planetary parade will be visible starting on Saturday, February 28th. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will be easily spotted with the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or telescopes. The best time to view the parade is about an hour after sunset, looking towards the western horizon. To distinguish planets from stars, the key is that planets do not twinkle like stars do.

  • The planetary parade will be visible starting on Saturday, February 28th.
  • The parade should be visible over the weekend and in the days after, until Mercury dips below the horizon.

The players

Sara Mazrouei

A planetary scientist with Humber Polytechnic in Canada.

Emily Elizondo

A planetary scientist with Michigan State University.

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What they’re saying

“If it's twinkling, it's a star. If it is not twinkling, it's a planet.”

— Sara Mazrouei, Planetary Scientist

“Glimpsing many in the sky at once is a fun way to connect with astronomers of centuries' past.”

— Emily Elizondo, Planetary Scientist

The takeaway

This rare planetary parade offers a unique opportunity for amateur stargazers to witness a celestial event that has captivated astronomers for centuries. By stepping outside and looking up at the night sky, people can connect with the long history of humanity's fascination with the planets and stars.