6 planets to align in a cosmic 'parade.' Here's how to see them

This month, a rare six-planet "alignment" will be visible to stargazers.

Soon after sunset on Saturday, February 28, a planetary alignment, also known as a "planet parade," will brighten up our night sky, according to the astronomy news website Space.com. But not every one of the six planets – Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Venus and Mercury – will be visible to the unaided eye.

Planetary alignments happen every few months to every few years, during which three to five planets appear close to one another. Although small groupings are typical, a "parade" of six or seven planets is uncommon, according to NASA.

Where to look for the planetary alignment

The best time to view the planets will be about 30 minutes to 1 hour after the sunset, while you are looking toward the western sky. Four of the planets – Saturn, Neptune, Venus and Mercury – will be low on the horizon and close to the sun and will only be visible for a brief period.

A nearly full waxing gibbous moon will appear with a 90.6% illumination, according to the University of Arizona's Catalina Sky Survey, which may make it difficult to view some of the planets.

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What happens during a planetary alignment?

The planets orbit the sun continuously in the solar system, so at times they slowly catch up to one another. Because they travel along the same path, or ecliptic, as they pass Earth, it appears they are aligned, according to NASA. The alignment formation, however, will be short-lived because each planet moves at different speeds.

Other celestial events coming soon in 2026

Here's a look at some of the celestial events occurring soon, according to The Planetary Society:

• March 2-3: Total lunar eclipse as known as "blood moon" will be visible for the western regions of North America, as well as Oceania and Asia.
• March 20: March equinox will occur on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:46 a.m. EDT.
• April 22: The Lyrid meteor shower will peak on the night of April 21-22.
• May 6: The Eta Aquarid meteor shower will peak in the pre-dawn hours of May 6.
• June 21: June solstice or summer solstice will occur on Sunday, June 21 at 4:24 a.m. EDT.

SOURCE: StarWalk.space, NASA, EarthSky.org, Space.com and USA TODAY research