Six planets align in a rare planet parade on February 28

A six-planet alignment is expected soon after sunset on Saturday, Feb. 28, visible toward the western sky about 30–60 minutes after sunset; several planets will sit low near the horizon and a nearly full waxing gibbous moon (90.6% illuminated) may make some planets harder to see.

A rare six-planet alignment, often called a planet parade, is expected to be visible soon after sunset on Saturday, February 28. The event is reported to occur low along the western horizon roughly 30 to 60 minutes after sunset. The article notes that not every planet in the grouping will be easy to see with the unaided eye, and a nearly full waxing gibbous moon may affect visibility. Planetary alignments are a known consequence of the planets moving along the same orbital path as seen from Earth. Key details: - Timing: The alignment is reported for soon after sunset on Feb. 28, with the best viewing about 30 to 60 minutes after sunset while looking west. - Planets involved: The article refers to a six-planet parade that includes Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Mercury and Venus. - Visibility: Not all of the six planets will be visible to the unaided eye; several (identified as Saturn, Neptune, Venus and Mercury) will be low on the horizon and close to the Sun, making them visible only briefly. - Moon: The Catalina Sky Survey reports a nearly full waxing gibbous moon at about 90.6% illumination, which the article says may make it harder to see some planets. - Cause and duration: NASA is cited explaining that alignments occur because planets follow the same ecliptic and sometimes appear close together from Earth; the formation is short-lived since planets move at different speeds. Summary: This six-planet parade is an uncommon grouping that will be brief and concentrated near the western horizon after sunset on Feb. 28. Several planets in the lineup will be low and only briefly visible, and lunar brightness may reduce contrast. Other upcoming celestial events listed in the article include a total lunar eclipse on March 2–3, the March 20 equinox, the Lyrid meteor shower peak on April 21–22, the Eta Aquarid peak on May 6, and the June 21 solstice.