Astronomy enthusiasts are preparing for a unique spectacle that will culminate on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The night sky will host a rare alignment of six planets: Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus. This phenomenon, commonly called a planetary parade, will be visible under favorable atmospheric conditions, offering an unparalleled opportunity to observe almost the entire Solar System at once.
Six Planets in One Line
Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus will participate in the alignment, creating an exceptional geometric configuration in Earth's sky.
Culmination on February 28
The phenomenon will be best visible on Saturday, although conditions for observation will persist throughout the entire last weekend of the month.
Optical Equipment Required
While the brightest planets are visible to the naked eye, Uranus and Neptune require the use of professional binoculars or a telescope.
In the last weekend of February, Earth's residents will have an exceptional opportunity to observe a rare astronomical event. Six planets of our system – Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus – will align in a single line along the ecliptic. The official name for this phenomenon is a planetary alignment, but the term 'planetary parade' has become entrenched in popular culture and media. Although the planets do not physically form a straight line in space, from the perspective of an observer on Earth, they will appear clustered close together in a small area of the sky. The term 'planetary parade' is not a rigorous scientific concept but a descriptive term used to popularize astronomy; the last such numerous alignment occurred in 2024, generating similar media interest.The best time to admire this spectacle will be Saturday, February 28, just after sunset and in the morning hours. Astronomers emphasize that not all objects will be visible to the naked eye. While Venus and Jupiter, being the brightest points, will be easy to locate, spotting Neptune and Uranus will require binoculars or a telescope. An important element of the celestial composition will be the Moon accompanying the planets, which will be near Jupiter, further aiding orientation in the sky for less experienced observers. Weather conditions will play a key role in the success of the observation. Experts recommend finding a location away from urban light pollution, with an unobstructed horizon, particularly towards the west and southwest. The visibility window for the entire alignment will be relatively short, limited to several tens of minutes before the lowest planets dip below the horizon line. The next such numerous planetary parade is predicted only in several years, making the upcoming weekend a priority date for astrophotographers and space enthusiasts. „It's a beautiful chance to see almost the entire planetary family in one frame, though it is worth remembering that some require optical aid.” — Dr Robert Masseyecliptic the visibility of the planets will change with Earth's rotation, making precise planning of the observation session crucial.