Six planets will parade across the western night sky this weekend.

Six planets will appear together in the western evening sky this weekend; Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn are expected to be visible to the naked eye while Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or a telescope.

Six planets will appear together in the western sky at the end of February, and most can be seen without optical aid. Such a grouping is called a planetary parade when several planets appear close on one side of the sun even though they are not in a straight line. On Saturday, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn are expected to be visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will need binoculars or a telescope. NASA notes that hangouts of four or five naked-eye planets are less common, and lineups of six or seven occurred last year. What to know: - Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn should be visible to the naked eye on Saturday if skies are clear. - Uranus and Neptune are fainter and require binoculars or a telescope. - The article notes an hour after sunset and a view toward the western horizon as common viewing conditions, and that tall buildings or trees can block the sightline. - Planetary scientist Sara Mazrouei said planets typically do not twinkle while stars do, which can help distinguish them. - The parade should be visible over the weekend and in the days after, with Mercury eventually moving below the horizon. Summary: The grouping brings several bright planets into a single part of the evening sky and echoes how earlier observers studied the heavens. The parade is expected to remain visible through the weekend and into the following days, with Mercury gradually dipping below the horizon.