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Rare Six-Planet Alignment Set for February 28, 2026

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Six planets will align in the evening sky on February 28, 2026
  • Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn can be seen without optical aids
  • Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or a telescope for viewing

A rare astronomical event featuring the alignment of six planets is scheduled to occur on the evening of February 28, 2026. This planetary parade is notable because such multi-planet alignments are uncommon and only happen every few years.

According to NASA and multiple astronomy sources, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will be positioned across the sky in a formation visible from Earth. The event is expected to draw interest from both amateur and professional skywatchers due to the number of planets involved and the visibility of several with the unaided eye.

The best opportunity to observe this alignment will be about 30 minutes after local sunset. During this window, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn are expected to be visible without the need for telescopes or binoculars, provided that weather conditions allow for clear skies.

For those wishing to see Uranus and Neptune, additional equipment such as binoculars or a telescope will be necessary. Viewing conditions can differ based on geographic location, and in New York City, the optimal time to observe the parade is estimated to be around 6:16 PM local time.

What the numbers show

  • Six planets will align on February 28, 2026
  • The best viewing period is about 30 minutes after sunset
  • In New York City, the event peaks at approximately 6:16 PM

Instances where four or more planets are visible to the naked eye at the same time are infrequent. These alignments are spaced several years apart, making the 2026 event a notable occurrence for observers around the world.

Looking ahead, similar planetary alignments are not expected to take place frequently. The next comparable event featuring five planets is projected for late October 2028, with another alignment anticipated in February 2034.

Observers are advised to check local sunset times and weather forecasts to maximize their chances of viewing the planetary parade. The visibility of each planet will depend on atmospheric conditions and the observer’s location.

Interest in planetary alignments remains high among astronomy communities, as these events provide opportunities for education and public engagement with space science. The 2026 alignment is expected to be one of the more accessible astronomical events of the decade due to the number of visible planets.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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