Skywatchers can look forward to a stunning display of six to seven planets forming alignments this February.

Known as a planetary alignment or “planet parade” in popular online discussions, this celestial spectacle will unfold in the evening sky right after sunset, according to SkyatNightMagazine. During the early days of February, six planets – Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn – will be visible, and on February 28, Mercury will join the lineup.

However, not all of these planets will be seen without aid. Neptune and Uranus will require powerful binoculars or a telescope to observe. Saturn may also be challenging to spot, as it will be positioned near the sun, as noted by StarWalk.

Although it’s not unusual for some planets to appear in proximity, witnessing four or five bright planets simultaneously is quite rare, according to NASA.

What Causes This Alignment?

The planets constantly orbit the sun in our solar system, meaning there will be times when they gradually align. As they travel along the same orbital path, known as the ecliptic, they can appear aligned from Earth, according to NASA. However, this alignment won’t last long because each planet moves at varying speeds.

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Where to Observe the Planetary Alignment

To catch a glimpse of the planetary alignment, look towards the southern sky approximately 90 minutes after sunset. This alignment will be observable in nearly all of the Northern Hemisphere, permitting clear weather. The six-planet alignment is expected to last from Saturday through February 9, as per Popular Science.

Seven-Planet Alignment on February 28

On February 28, seven planets – Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars – will align, creating a spectacular night sky event, according to StarWalk. Saturn might be the hardest to detect due to its proximity to the sun, so pinpointing the right moment to observe it is crucial.

Profiles of the Visible Planets

Our solar system contains eight unique planets, including Earth, each with fascinating characteristics. Here’s a brief overview of the planets aligning this month:

Future Planetary Alignments

◾ February 28: Seven Planets – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. (The last occasion all seven planets were in alignment was on April 8, 2024, during the total solar eclipse).

◾ August 29, 2025: Six Planets – Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

This article was updated to include additional information.