Six-Planet Alignment Visible From Earth in Late February and Early March

A matter of perspective

This is not an alignment in the astrological sense, but in a more “literal” meaning of the term - at least when viewed from Earth.

NASA states that the effect is caused by perspective. The planets are not arranged in a perfect line in space, yet from Earth they seem to lie along the ecliptic, an imaginary path across the sky on which stars and planets appear to travel.

No exact date for the “parade of planets”

National Geographic Portugal reports that the event has no single precise date. Instead, the phenomenon will occur over a number of days.

The “parade of planets” is forecast to take place from late February into early March.

While certain media reports identify 28 February in particular, Postal advises watching the sky across the full period mentioned above to improve the likelihood of seeing the phenomenon in person.

Which planets can be seen?

NASA says the planets that could appear aligned in the sky are Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and Jupiter. As outlined by several astronomy publications, the most suitable viewing time is just after sunset, looking towards the western or west-south-eastern horizon.

Visibility will not be the same for every planet. NASA notes that Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter may be observed without equipment - with Jupiter’s brightness serving as a guide - provided that skies are clear and light pollution is low, unlike in large cities. Because they are less bright, Uranus and Neptune need binoculars or a telescope to be seen.

Precautions when observing the alignment

To prevent eye strain, it is essential not to use any of the magnifying equipment mentioned above before sunset.

Although planetary alignments around nightfall are not especially uncommon, NASA says that only two or three planets can usually be viewed.

What makes this event unusual and worthy of attention is the presence of six planets.