Eyes on the sky as six planets parade to light up February 2026: Date, best timings and what you’ll see

A rare six-planet parade will dazzle the evening sky in February 2026. (Image: Canva)

• Six planets will align in a rare "planet parade" on 28 February 2026.
• Best viewing is after sunset in low light pollution areas worldwide.
• Jupiter and Venus brightest; Mercury, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune also visible.

Did our AI summary help?

February is all about night sky events this year. A spectacular celestial event is coming soon. By the end of the month six planets will appear close together. This “planet parade” will light up the evening sky. From mid-to-late February, skywatchers worldwide can enjoy the view. The best night to see the lineup is 28 February 2026. Planets will be visible shortly after sunset. Some planets will be bright and easy to see.

What is happening at the end of February? 

By the end of this month, on 28th February, several planets move into rare alignment. Their orbits place them on the same side of the Sun. From Earth, they appear clustered in one region of the sky. During this period, Mercury reaches better visibility after sunset.

Venus and Saturn draw closer in the western sky. Jupiter remains high and bright above them. This timing creates ideal viewing conditions. The Moon will also be in a favourable phase.

Where to locate this planet parade will be visible? 

The planet parade will be visible from most parts of the world. Best viewing regions to watch this planet parade are South Asia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Egypt, Kenya and Morocco low light pollution areas will improve visibility.

Best seen in western states and open landscapes. The desert and hill regions offer better clarity. The western region where planet parade will be visible are United States, Canada, Chile and Argentina. This will also be visible in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. The darker skies will reveal more details about these planets.

What Planets to See on 28th February?

Here is what to look for, in order from low to high:

1. Mercury: Faint and close to the horizon. This will be hardest to spot early in the month but easier to see later in February.

2. Venus: This shines brightly near Mercury. Venus helps to find the lower planets and is easy to spot with the naked eye.

3. Saturn: A dimmer yellowish light near the horizon. Binoculars would make viewing better.

4. Uranus: Fainter still but higher than Saturn in sky. The planet is best seen with binoculars.

5. Neptune: This planet is very faint which will lie lowest near the horizon. Skywatcher may require binoculars or telescope too see this planet.

6. Jupiter: Brightest and easiest to see, Jupiter is higher in the sky than the other planets. It will be visible without any equipment.

Best time to Watch this night sky event

Peak Date to watch this celestial event is 28 February 2026. The best time to watch this is about 30 minutes after sunset and 90 minutes after sunset. After this period, some planets will sink below the horizon.

Early viewing is therefore very important. Prime window to this event is from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM EST. After 7:30 PM EST, the planet parade will end, and Mercury and Saturn may drop below the horizon.

How to Watch the Planet Parade?

Wait for the Sun to set fully. The Sun must be completely below the horizon. Never look at the Sun through binoculars or a telescope. Planets cluster low in the western sky.  Though Venus and Jupiter shine brightly, Neptune and Uranus will need optical aid. Stargazing apps can show planet positions based on your date and location.

Why Planet Parades Happen?

Planets orbit the Sun in nearly the same flat plane. From Earth’s point of view, they sometimes appear together. When this happens, we call it a planet parade. It does not mean they form a straight line. Instead, they appear in the same region of sky. This makes for an eye-catching grouping after sunset.

What to Expect Overall?

The February parade would not include Mars this year. Still, seeing six planets in one sky is rare. Jupiter will draw your eye first with its brightness. Venus also known as the “evening star” shines next brightest. Mercury will be low but viewable with patience. Uranus and Neptune add subtle contrast for telescopes. This event offers a unique night sky experience. Mark your calendar for 28 February 2026!