Toward the end of February, skywatchers will have the chance to witness a rare and beautiful celestial event: a six-planet alignment visible in the evening sky. Often referred to as a “planetary parade,” this phenomenon occurs when multiple planets appear to line up from Earth’s point of view, creating the illusion of a cosmic gathering just after sunset.

During this event, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune will all be positioned along the same arc of the sky. While the planets are not perfectly aligned in space, their placement relative to Earth makes it possible to see several of them at once, something that does not happen often.

The best time to view the alignment is shortly after sunset, looking toward the western to southwestern horizon. Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury should be visible to the naked eye under clear conditions, while Uranus and Neptune are much fainter and will require binoculars or a small telescope. A bright moon may also be present, adding to the overall spectacle while slightly challenging the visibility of the dimmer planets.

Events like this offer a reminder of the vastness and rhythm of our solar system. Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or simply curious, this rare planetary display is a moment worth stepping outside for and taking in the view.