On 28 February 2026 and for a few days on either side, six planets — Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, Mercury, Neptune and Uranus — will be visible in the evening sky in a compact formation visible from both hemispheres, astronomers say. The brightest members, Jupiter and Venus, will be plainly visible to the naked eye for months, while Neptune and Uranus will require binoculars or a small telescope. NASA has marked the occasion by issuing new Chandra X‑ray sonifications for Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus to translate data into sound. Observers are advised to pick a clear western horizon at the recommended local times for the best views and to follow basic eye and instrument safety guidance.
Key takeaways
- Event window: 28 February 2026 is the central date; the configuration will be visible a few days before and after that date from many locations.
- Planets involved: Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, Mercury, Neptune and Uranus will appear together; binoculars/telescopes are recommended for Neptune and Uranus.
- Timing: observers should look shortly after local sunset — around 17:45 in the UK, about 18:00 in many US zones, and after 18:45 in parts of Australia — though exact times vary by longitude and daylight‑saving rules.
- Visibility notes: Venus will be the brightest; Mercury will be faint and close to the horizon and may be difficult to see in some regions.
- Historical context: six‑planet groupings are uncommon; all seven planets were briefly visible together last year, and a similar full lineup is not expected until 2040.
- Public engagement: NASA released new Chandra sonifications tied to the event, offering an auditory way to experience planetary data.
- Safety: never point binoculars or a telescope at the Sun; avoid observing near sunrise/sunset glare without proper filters.
Background
Planetary groupings occur because each planet orbits the Sun at a different speed and inclination, so from Earth’s vantage point their apparent positions against the star field occasionally cluster. Such alignments do not indicate physical proximity in space — the planets remain millions to billions of kilometres apart — but they do produce striking visual patterns for skywatchers. While spotting four or five planets in a single evening happens with some frequency, seeing six at once is much less common and draws extra attention from both amateur observers and professional communicators.
A close grouping of visible planets can also prompt outreach activity from institutions and space agencies. For this occasion NASA issued Chandra X‑ray data sonifications for Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus to highlight the scientific value of multiwavelength astronomy and to broaden public engagement. National observatories and local astronomy clubs typically use such events to promote safe viewing sessions and to explain planetary motion and orbital mechanics to the public.
Main event
The parade will present itself as a curved line stretching low toward the western horizon, with Jupiter appearing high and to the south‑east from northern latitudes and the other planets clustered nearer the west. Venus will dominate visually as the brightest point, with Mercury appearing much fainter to its right; Saturn and Neptune will sit slightly above that pair. Uranus will be dim and located beneath the Pleiades (the Seven Sisters) star cluster, making binoculars or a modest telescope useful to confirm its position.
Observers in the northern hemisphere should look soon after sunset — roughly 17:45 in the UK — from an elevated vantage with an unobstructed western skyline. In the southern hemisphere the pattern will appear mirrored: Jupiter will be more northerly, and Uranus will appear just above the Pleiades toward the north‑west. In Australia, for example, local guidance suggests heading out after about 18:45, though Mercury will likely sit too close to the horizon to be seen and Venus sets earlier, around 19:15 local time in some areas.
Because the planets move at differing orbital speeds, the arrangement will shift noticeably from night to night. Experts say Mercury, the innermost planet, will be the first to drop below the horizon as the week progresses, while Jupiter and Venus will remain conspicuous for months. Weather and local horizon obstructions remain the most common reasons viewers might miss one or more planets.
Analysis & implications
For astronomers and educators, multi‑planet alignments offer high‑value opportunities for public science communication. The combination of a visually appealing configuration and modern outreach tools — such as NASA’s sonifications — helps communicate not only the spectacle but the underlying physics: orbital resonance, relative motion and observational geometry. These events can boost interest in observational astronomy and encourage purchases or borrowing of binoculars and small telescopes, supporting the amateur astronomy ecosystem.
Scientifically, the parade does not change planetary dynamics, but coordinated observing campaigns can still be useful. Professionals and amateurs often use such windows to practice calibration, test imaging systems, and compare methods for locating faint outer planets near bright objects. Sonifications and multiwavelength data releases also provide educators with fresh material for classroom demonstrations linking observation to data analysis.
Economically and culturally, predictable sky events drive community events at planetaria and public parks, sometimes increasing footfall and donations to museums and clubs. They can also prompt local authorities and media to circulate safety guidance to reduce hazards from improvised public demonstrations — for example, eye injuries from improper use of magnifying optics near twilight.
Comparison & data
| Planet | Visibility | Recommended aid |
|---|---|---|
| Venus | Very bright, easily visible | Naked eye |
| Jupiter | Bright, high in the sky | Naked eye |
| Saturn | Moderate brightness, low west | Binoculars |
| Mercury | Faint, very low near horizon | Binoculars (may be invisible) |
| Neptune | Very faint, near horizon | Binoculars/telescope |
| Uranus | Very faint, near the Pleiades | Binoculars/telescope |
The table summarises expected naked‑eye visibility and the minimum observing aid commonly recommended. Local seeing conditions, light pollution and exact observer latitude will affect detectability. Observers should also consult stargazing apps or planetarium software for precise rise/set times and azimuths at their location.
Reactions & quotes
“We’re seeing this alignment now because the planets’ orbits have brought them into roughly the same area of the sky from our perspective on Earth,”
Dr Megan Argo, reader in astrophysics, University of Lancashire
Dr Argo emphasised that differing orbital speeds make such alignments intermittent and that while four or five planets together is fairly common, six is notably rarer. She advised viewers to choose an elevated site with a clear western horizon and to use stargazing apps or binoculars for the faint outer planets.
“The parade will appear reversed in the southern hemisphere; observers there should look in a north‑westerly direction to catch Uranus near the Pleiades,”
Dr Ed Bloomer, astronomer, Royal Observatory Greenwich
Dr Bloomer also noted that Mercury’s proximity to the horizon in parts of Australia will make it difficult to see and urged locals to be prompt if they wish to spot Venus before it sets.
Unconfirmed
- Exact visibility of Mercury in Australia on 28 February may be compromised by local horizon obstruction or atmospheric conditions and is not guaranteed.
- Cloud cover and local light pollution will change which planets are visible from particular towns; individual observing reports may differ.
Bottom line
The late‑February window around 28 February 2026 presents a rare and accessible chance to see six planets in a single evening sky. Venus and Jupiter will be the easiest targets; Uranus and Neptune will reward binocular or small‑telescope users, and Mercury may be elusive depending on location and horizon clarity.
Skywatchers planning to view the parade should check local sunset and planet‑positioning tools, pick an unobstructed western horizon, and follow basic safety guidance for optical equipment. Institutions including NASA and national observatories will provide complementary resources and outreach materials for those who want to turn the spectacle into a learning opportunity.