Stargazers will have a rare opportunity this week as six planets are set to appear together in the evening sky, creating what astronomers describe as a striking planetary alignment or “planet parade.”
According to astronomers, the alignment will be visible shortly after sunset on February 28, with the best viewing window ranging from 30 minutes to one hour after the sun goes down. If skies remain clear, observers can expect an impressive celestial display stretching across the western horizon.
The alignment will feature Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Of these, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn can be spotted with the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune are much fainter and will require binoculars or a telescope to see.
Experts note that planetary alignments occur when planets appear to cluster together along the same arc of the sky. While groupings of three to five planets happen relatively often, a lineup involving six or more planets is considered uncommon, according to NASA.
Visibility may also be affected by the moon. A waxing gibbous moon, illuminated by more than 90 percent, will be present in the sky, potentially making it harder to spot the dimmer planets, especially Uranus and Neptune.
Scientists explain that such alignments are an optical effect rather than a true straight-line formation in space. As the planets orbit the sun along a shared plane known as the ecliptic, their differing speeds occasionally cause them to appear grouped together from Earth’s perspective.
The display is temporary, as each planet continues moving along its own path.
Astronomers advise viewers to find a clear, unobstructed view of the western sky and begin observing soon after sunset to make the most of the rare planetary gathering.