What time can you see the 'planetary parade'? Here's what to know.
What time can you see the 'planetary parade'? Here's what to know.
Julia Gomez, USA TODAYSat, February 28, 2026 at 11:05 AM UTC
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A rare "planetary parade" will march across the night sky.
On Feb. 28, after the sun sets, the rare phenomenon will occur, with six planets appearing to align and form a parade across the evening sky, according to NASA.
Usually, people can look up at the bright sky and spot at least one planet. Two or three planets are also commonly hanging out in the night sky, according to NASA. But what about when four, five, or even six planets are visible? Well, then it's what's known as a "planetary parade."
Six planets, Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter, will be visible the night of Feb. 28, according to NASA. Seeing a parade of six or even seven planets is rare.
Of the six, five planets will be visible to the naked eye, Chelsea Gohd, outreach specialist for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, told USA TODAY in an email. But binoculars or a telescope will be needed to view Uranus and Neptune.
The "planetary parade" will take place days before a total lunar eclipse, which will occur in the early morning of March 3. The light from the nearly full moon could affect visibility.
Here's what to know about when it will be visible.
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What time is the 'planetary parade'?
A planetary parade will take place on the night of Saturday, Feb. 28, according to NASA.
According to NASA, the timing for the "planetary parade" indicates it will be visible in the evening of Feb. 28.
Gohd says that the six planets will be visible in the evening sky from Earth, just after the sun sets, for stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere.
"Saturn will be near the horizon, Venus and Mercury will be higher up in the sky and Jupiter will be up high in the sky near the Moon," Gohd stated. "Uranus and Neptune will be nearby Saturn, but will be harder to spot."
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More news: A total lunar eclipse is happening in March. Here's how to view it.
What will you be able to see during the 'planetary parade'? -
Mercury - Visible with the unaided eye, but stargazers will be able to see the planet more clearly with binoculars or a telescope.
Venus - Visible with the unaided eye
Neptune- A telescope or binoculars are needed to view the planet
Saturn - Visible with the unaided eye
Uranus - A telescope or binoculars are needed to view the planet
Jupiter- Visible with the unaided eye
Stargazing apps, such as Stellarium or Sky Safari, can also help identify planets and constellations in the sky.
Check weather forecasts ahead of time to see if clouds might hinder your view. The moonlight and light pollution could affect the visibility of the "planetary parade".
For the best chance of seeing the "planetary parade", stargazers should move away from city lights and to a viewing location where the horizon is clear, according to Gohd.
What equipment do you need to view a 'planetary parade'?
Certain planets will only be visible with binoculars or a telescope.
Those interested in purchasing equipment should steer clear of telescopes that cost less than $500 and opt for Celestron, Robert Lunsford, the American Meteor Society's newsletter editor and fireball report coordinator, previously told USA TODAY.
He advises beginners to choose a telescope with a lens rather than a mirror, and for those seeking a more affordable option, he recommends binoculars.
Tips for viewing the 6-planet alignment -
Find a spot with a clear, unobstructed view of the horizon.
Avoid light pollution and move away from cities.
Have your binoculars or telescope ready to view planets that aren't visible to the naked eye
Stargazers should move "away from bright lights," according to Gohd. "Dark skies are best! And your view will be clearest if you're able to find a viewing location where the horizon is clear so you can see all of the planets from the horizon up through the night sky."
Also, be sure to pack mosquito repellent and dress appropriately for the weather in your area. Check the weather in advance to ensure the skies are clear.
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, space, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What time do the planets align tonight? How to watch the 'parade'.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
