February 26, 2026 | 04:21 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A rare celestial event is set to dazzle stargazers around the world this Saturday, February 28, 2026. A so-called “planetary parade” will allow observers to see six planets lined up in the evening sky shortly after sunset.
The spectacle is brief and requires a clear view toward the western horizon. According to the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the inner planets Venus and Mercury will appear close to Saturn, while Neptune, Uranus, and Jupiter will also be visible in the night sky.
Which Planets You Can See
Venus, Mercury, and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, though telescopes or binoculars will enhance the view. Venus and Mercury will sit low near the horizon, while Saturn will appear slightly higher.
Observers should note that some planets, including Neptune, will only be visible for roughly 30 to 45 minutes after sunset, according to a report by Live Science on February 22, 2026.
Neptune, appearing next to Saturn, will require a telescope with a diameter of at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) to observe. Jupiter, the solar system’s largest planet, can be found by looking south toward the Gemini constellation. It will shine as a bright, steady white light, unlike the twinkling of stars. Orion’s Belt can serve as a visual guide, roughly midway between Jupiter and the other planets.
Uranus will be visible with binoculars or a small telescope. Look below the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the “Seven Sisters,” in the Taurus constellation. Stargazers can locate it by extending a line from the three stars of Orion’s Belt: Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka.
Moon Joins the Show
Adding to the celestial lineup, a nearly full moon, illuminated at about 92 percent, will be visible on the same night. It will appear close to the Beehive Cluster (M44), a bright star cluster located about 577 light-years from Earth.
What Comes Next: Lunar Eclipse
The planetary parade is just the prelude to another spectacular event. On March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse will occur as the “Worm Moon” passes through Earth’s shadow.
This so-called “blood moon” will turn the lunar surface a coppery red for approximately 58 minutes. The best views are expected from the western United States, Pacific islands, New Zealand, Australia, and East Asia.
For skywatchers, the next few nights promise a rare chance to witness multiple planets and the moon in a single glance, a reminder of the vast and ever-changing wonders above us.
Read: Study: DNA May Explain Why Music Gives Goosebumps
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