Six Planets Will Align This Month — What You'll See and When

February 9, 2026 | Astronomy & Space Science

A rare astronomical event is coming to the night sky this month. On February 28, 2026, six planets will appear together in a single arc across the evening sky. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will be visible at the same time, creating what astronomers call a planetary parade.

This alignment is notable because four of the six planets can be seen without any special equipment. The event occurs shortly after sunset and will be visible from most locations worldwide. The best viewing window is approximately 30 minutes after local sunset.

What Is a Planetary Alignment?

A planetary alignment happens when several planets appear in the same region of the sky at the same time. This does not mean the planets form a perfect straight line in space. Instead, they appear grouped together from Earth's viewpoint.

The planets orbit the Sun along a path called the ecliptic. When multiple planets happen to be positioned on the same side of the Sun, they appear close together in our night sky. This creates the visual effect of an alignment or parade.

These events occur naturally due to the different orbital speeds of the planets. While planetary groupings happen periodically, alignments involving six or more planets that are convenient to observe are less common.

Which Six Planets Are Visible?

The February 28 alignment includes planets at various brightness levels. Here is what you can expect to see:

• Venus: The brightest planet in the alignment, visible low in the western sky
• Jupiter: Very bright and located high in the southeastern sky
• Saturn: Moderately bright with a steady, golden glow in the west
• Mercury: The most challenging naked-eye planet, appearing very low on the western horizon
• Uranus: Requires binoculars, positioned higher in the southwestern sky
• Neptune: Requires binoculars or a telescope, located near Saturn

Four planets can be observed with the naked eye under good conditions. Mercury may be difficult to spot because it sets quickly after sunset and stays close to the horizon. Uranus and Neptune are too faint for unaided viewing.

Best Time to Watch (USA and Global)

The primary viewing date is February 28, 2026. However, the exact best date varies slightly by location. In most places, the optimal viewing period runs from late February through early March.

Recommended dates by region:

• New York, USA: February 28
• Mexico City: February 28
• Sao Paulo, Brazil: February 25
• London, UK: March 1
• Berlin, Germany: March 1
• Tokyo, Japan: February 28
• Mumbai, India: March 1
• Athens, Greece: February 28

Begin observing about 30 minutes after local sunset. This timing allows the sky to darken enough to see the planets while they are still above the horizon. Mercury and Venus will be the first to set, followed by Saturn and Neptune.

How to Spot Each Planet (Simple Tips)

Locating the planets requires knowing where to look and what to expect. Here are practical tips for finding each one:

Mercury: Look very low on the western horizon immediately after sunset. It appears as a small, faint dot and sets within one hour. A clear, unobstructed view of the horizon is essential.

Venus: The easiest planet to spot. It shines brilliantly low in the western sky and serves as a reference point for locating other planets. Venus will be in the constellation Aquarius.

Saturn: Located slightly higher than Venus in the western sky. Saturn has a steady, non-twinkling yellow light. It will be positioned in the constellation Pisces.

Jupiter: Look high in the southeastern sky. Jupiter is the second brightest planet in this alignment and will appear near the bright Moon. The planet will be in the constellation Gemini, close to the stars Castor and Pollux.

Uranus: Positioned much higher in the sky than the other planets, in the southwestern region. Binoculars are needed to see it. Look for it in the constellation Taurus, approximately 5 degrees from the Pleiades star cluster.

Neptune: The most challenging planet to observe. It will be located very close to Saturn, about 1 degree away. Binoculars or a small telescope are required. Neptune will also be in the constellation Pisces.

One useful tip: planets shine with steady light, while stars twinkle. This difference helps distinguish planets from surrounding stars.

Do You Need a Telescope?

The answer depends on which planets you want to see. Four of the six planets can be observed without any optical equipment.

No telescope needed: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter are all visible to the naked eye under clear skies. Venus and Jupiter are particularly bright and easy to identify.

Binoculars recommended: Uranus can technically be seen without binoculars under perfect dark-sky conditions, but binoculars make it significantly easier to spot.

Binoculars or telescope required: Neptune is too faint to see without optical aid. Binoculars may work under very dark skies, but a small telescope provides better results.

If you use binoculars or a telescope, avoid pointing them at Mercury or Venus while they are close to the horizon near sunset. The Sun may still be above the horizon in your optical field, which can damage your eyes.

Myths vs Reality

Several misconceptions exist about planetary alignments. Here are some clarifications:

Myth: The planets will form a perfect straight line in space.

Reality: The planets appear grouped together from Earth's perspective, but they are actually millions of miles apart in three-dimensional space. The alignment is a visual phenomenon, not a physical one.

Myth: Planetary alignments cause gravitational effects on Earth.

Reality: The gravitational influence of other planets on Earth is extremely small. These alignments have no measurable impact on tides, earthquakes, or weather.

Myth: This type of alignment is extremely rare and happens once in a lifetime.

Reality: While alignments of six planets are not common, they do occur periodically. What makes this event special is the convenient evening viewing time and the number of bright planets visible without equipment.

Myth: You need expensive equipment to see planetary alignments.

Reality: Most of the planets in this alignment are visible with the naked eye. Basic binoculars are sufficient for viewing Uranus and Neptune.

Conclusion

The February 28, 2026 planetary alignment offers a straightforward opportunity to observe multiple planets in a single evening. With four planets visible to the naked eye and two more accessible with binoculars, this event is suitable for both beginners and experienced observers.

The key to successful viewing is timing. Start observing approximately 30 minutes after local sunset from a location with a clear western horizon. Mercury and Venus set quickly, so early observation is important.

This alignment demonstrates the predictable mechanics of our solar system. While planetary groupings occur naturally, having six planets visible in convenient evening hours makes this event worth watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the planetary alignment from anywhere in the world?

Yes, the alignment will be visible from most locations worldwide. However, the exact date of optimal viewing varies slightly depending on your latitude. The alignment is visible from both Northern and Southern Hemispheres, though the arc of planets will appear tilted in opposite directions.

What happens if the weather is cloudy on February 28?

The planets will remain in roughly the same configuration for several days before and after February 28. If clouds block your view on the 28th, try observing a day or two earlier or later. The alignment gradually disperses over the course of several weeks as the planets continue in their orbits.

Will the alignment be visible during the day?

No, this alignment occurs in the evening sky shortly after sunset. The planets will not be visible during daylight hours. Venus and Jupiter are occasionally visible in daylight under specific conditions, but the full alignment can only be observed after the sky darkens following sunset.