Skywatchers around the world, especially in India, can witness a rare celestial event on Friday, February 28, 2026. Six planets will appear in a unique alignment, often called a "planetary parade," shortly after sunset. This cosmic display coincides with India's National Science Day, adding a special dimension to the nationwide celebration of scientific discovery.[starwalk+4]
Six Worlds Across the Evening Sky
The rare alignment will feature Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These six planets will stretch across the evening sky in a gentle arc. While they will not form a perfectly straight line, their simultaneous visibility from Earth offers a remarkable opportunity to observe a significant portion of our solar system.[starwalk+4]
Jupiter, the largest planet, will be the brightest and easiest to spot. It will appear high in the sky after sunset.Mercury and Venus, our inner solar system neighbors, will be visible low in the western sky, near the sunset point. Saturn will also be in this western cluster, positioned just above Mercury and Venus.[indiatoday+4]
Uranus and Neptune, the distant ice giants, will be much fainter. Observers will need binoculars or a small telescope to see these two planets. They will appear between the bright western cluster and Jupiter.Mars will not be part of this alignment, as it will be transitioning from the evening to the morning sky.[starwalk+6]
Dr. Megan Argo, a reader in astrophysics at the University of Lancashire, explained the phenomenon. "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," she said. "Since each planet circles the sun at a different speed, they constantly shift position against the backdrop of stars. Only occasionally do their paths line up in a way that places several of them together in our night sky.”
Best Times and Viewing Tips
The best time to view this planetary parade is about 30 to 60 minutes after local sunset on February 28. Clear skies and an unobstructed view of the western horizon are crucial for optimal viewing. Locations away from city lights and tall buildings will offer the best conditions.[starwalk+4]
For those in India, sunset on February 28 will occur around 6:41 PM in Goa, for example. Public viewing sessions are being organized in various parts of India, including Goa, by astronomy groups like the Association of Friends of Astronomy (AFA).[evrimagaci+3]
Alyssa Lee from NASA's "Watch the Skies" blog confirmed the event. "On Feb. 28, we will see not one, not two, but six planets in the evening sky," she wrote, noting that Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter will appear shortly after sunset.[timesofindia]
To find the planets, look first for Jupiter, which will be the brightest. Then, scan the western horizon for Venus and Mercury. Venus will be brighter than Mercury and can help guide observers to its dimmer neighbor. Saturn will be nearby. For Uranus and Neptune, binoculars or a telescope will be essential. Stargazing apps can also provide real-time guidance to locate each planet.[space+1]
Michael Shanahan, director of the Liberty Science Center Planetarium in New Jersey, highlighted Jupiter's prominence. "The only planet you have an easy chance of seeing is Jupiter," he stated. "Just look up anytime from dusk to about 3:30 a.m., find the brightest dot, and that will be Jupiter.”[starwalk+3]
A Rare Celestial Opportunity
While planetary alignments might sound dramatic, they do not cause natural disasters or significantly alter Earth's gravity. However, they offer a captivating visual spectacle and a chance for both seasoned astronomers and casual stargazers to marvel at the solar system.[stktent]
Seeing six planets together is considered a rare event. Dr. Argo noted that while four or five planets are relatively common, six is much rarer. She added that all seven planets were visible together last year, but the next full alignment will not occur until 2040.[evrimagaci+1]
Historically, such alignments have even played a role in space exploration. A rare clustering of the outer giant planets in the late 1970s and early 1980s allowed NASA to launch the Voyager I and II spacecraft. This configuration enabled the probes to use each planet's gravity to slingshot toward the next, significantly reducing travel time and fuel needs.[evrimagaci+1]
National Science Day Celebration
The planetary alignment's timing with National Science Day in India makes the event particularly special for the country. National Science Day is celebrated annually on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the "Raman Effect" by Indian physicist Sir C.V. Raman in 1928. This groundbreaking work in light scattering earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
Satish Nayak, president of the Association of Friends of Astronomy (AFA) in Goa, confirmed the unique coincidence. He said this year the occasion aligns with the visibility of multiple planets. This dual celebration provides a powerful reminder of both the wonders of the universe and humanity's enduring quest for scientific knowledge.[timesofindia+1]
The event offers a unique opportunity for people across India and the globe to connect with astronomy. It encourages curiosity about our solar system and the vast cosmos beyond. Whether viewed with the naked eye or through optical aids, this rare planetary parade promises to be a memorable celestial show.
