February-March 2026 Planetary Parade

In the days surrounding February 28, 2026, six planets will stretch across the evening sky shortly after sunset. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will trace an arc along the ecliptic, the same celestial path the Sun follows each day.

Although six planets are technically present, not all of them will be easy to see. Several sit so close to the Sun’s position near the horizon that they are not practical or safe observing targets. Be sure to review our Solar Safety Warning before heading outside.

Even so, this planetary parade gives us all a chance to step back and consider our place within a vast, moving Solar System. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the event.

What is a Planetary Parade?

The planets always travel along the ecliptic, the flat plane of our Solar System. If you could look down on the Solar System from above, you’d see the planets orbiting the Sun on roughly the same cosmic disk.

A planetary parade happens when several planets are positioned so that, from Earth, they’re all visible in the same general stretch of sky at the same time.

They aren’t physically lining up in space. In fact, they remain separated by vast distances. What’s special is the geometry. Our moving vantage point on Earth allows multiple planets to appear strung out along the same celestial path.

Which Planets Will Be Visible?

⚠️Important Safety Note

Any planetary parade is strictly an after-sunset event. When it comes to the 2026 parade, many of the planets lie extremely close to the Sun’s position in the evening sky. Looking at the Sun through binoculars or a telescope, even for a moment, can cause instant and permanent eye damage. 

Protect your vision by following these simple rules:

• Never look directly at the Sun with your naked eye.
• Do not point your binoculars or telescope toward the planetary parade until the Sun has completely set below the horizon.
• Don’t attempt to view Mercury, Venus, Saturn, or Neptune during this parade.

Be patient. Wait until the Sun is fully below the horizon line. When in doubt, wait a few extra minutes. No observation is worth risking your vision. 

The February-March 2026 planetary parade includes:

• Jupiter–Bright, prominent, and well-positioned above the horizon after sunset, Jupiter is the hero of this planetary parade. Look for it near the Moon; it will be easy to spot with the naked eye. Take a look through binoculars to see its four Galilean moons or a telescope to reveal more details, such as cloud bands.
• Uranus–This distant planet is realistic target for experienced observers with telescopes 6 inches or larger during this event. Under steady atmospheric conditions, Uranus appears as a small blue-green disk rather than a star-like point.
• Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Neptune- While technically part of the alignment, these planets sit too low on the horizon and too close to the Sun’s glare to be practical observing targets. For skywatchers, their role in this parade is symbolic rather than practical. Take a look at our 2026 Celestial Calendar for more viewing opportunities for these planets throughout the year.

The parade unfolds over multiple days, offering plenty of chances to track the planets' shifting positions.

Key Moments During the Parade

Lunar Conjunctions

The Moon will pass close to each planet throughout the event for a series of beautiful conjunctions. Keep an eye out for these notable pairings:

• The Moon & Jupiter - February 26
• Venus & Neptune– March 7
• Venus & Saturn - March 8

Other Exciting Celestial Events During the Parade

• March 3: Just as the parade of planets begins to fade in early March, the full Moon will put on its own show on March 3, 2026, with a total lunar eclipse. A striking “Blood Moon” offers another bonus observing opportunity for night-sky fans during this celestial season.  
• February 23: A waxing crescent Moon and the Pleiades (M45) will make a close approach, passing within 1°10' of each other. Don’t miss this picturesque pairing! 
• February 28:  Moon and the Beehive Cluster (M44) will make a close approach, passing within 1°27' of each other. The Moon will be 11 days old.

The Best Telescopes & Gear for the Planetary Parade

With your naked eye, Jupiter will be the most reliable and easily visible planet. Adding a small to medium-sized telescope will significantly enhance your experience of Jupiter, revealing details such as its Galilean moons, cloud bands, and Great Red Spot. If you want to pick out the aqua dot of Uranus, you’ll need a larger telescope with at least 6” of aperture. 

Check out our top telescope and binocular recommendations for the planetary parade. 

Tips to Observe the 2025 Planetary Parade

1. Location, Location, Location:
   You don’t need to travel to a remote dark-sky site to see this show! Most planets are visible from the city. But you should choose a wide, open observing site with a clear view of the horizon. Steer clear of streetlights and buildings. If you want to find the fainter outer Solar System planets, you may want to travel to avoid excessive light pollution. But if your backyard is your only option, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the parade!
2. Use Astronomy Apps Star Charts:
   Track planetary positions using a traditional star chart or Celestron’s SkyPortal app, powered by SkySafari™, available with any Celestron telescope purchase. This robust app will provide real-time maps, rise and set times, and helpful tips for each night.
3. Prep Your Telescope:
   If using a telescope, allow it to acclimate to outdoor temperatures for about 30 minutes to prevent image distortion. Check your Newtonian or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope’s collimation for the sharpest planetary views. Start with low magnification to find the planets, then step up to high power for a closer look.
4. Use Filters for Planetary Detail:
   Planetary filters enhance features like Jupiter’s cloud bands, Mars’ ice caps, and Saturn’s rings by increasing contrast and reducing glare. Experiment with different filters to bring out the best details.

Explore Each Planet Individually

Before you head out or while under the night sky, take a moment to learn what makes each planet unique. Even if some members of the alignment aren’t visible this time around, understanding their characteristics adds depth to your experience. 

Check out our planet observing guides to learn more about each world in the parade!