How to View Six Planets in the Sky Simultaneously: A Guide to the Rare Celestial Alignment

Get ready for a stunning celestial display as almost all the planets in our solar system align in the night sky. This spectacular event, commonly referred to as a planetary parade, will include every planet except Mars, which is currently obscured from view as it’s positioned on the opposite side of the Sun.

Such celestial alignments are rare, occurring only every few years when the orbits of the planets align towards the same side of the Sun. Each planet has its own orbital duration: Mercury completes an orbit in just 88 Earth days, while Neptune takes approximately 165 Earth years. The resulting alignment is a fascinating coincidence of geometry and orbital mechanics.

In some instances, planets may appear closely together, like during the “Great Array” observed in February 2025, where all seven visible planets graced our sky simultaneously. However, there can be long stretches without any visible planet alignments.

During a planetary alignment, the planets appear to trace a line across the sky along the ecliptic, the same path the sun follows during the day. Due to the tilts of the planets’ orbits, perfect alignment is seldom achieved, creating an optical illusion when viewed from outside the solar system.

This extraordinary alignment will be visible on different dates worldwide, with the most favorable viewing opportunities on February 28th and March 1st. To enjoy this spectacle, find a location with an unobstructed view of the western sky and minimal light pollution.

The best time to witness the Planet Parade on February 28th will be shortly after sunset. Mercury, the planet closest to the Sun, will dip below the horizon soon after the Sun sets. After sunset, look low on the western horizon to see Mercury and Venus, with Saturn and Neptune appearing above them, followed by Uranus and finally Jupiter near a nearly full moon.

While Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter are visible to the naked eye, you’ll need binoculars to catch a glimpse of Uranus and a telescope to view Neptune.