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Six-Planet Evening Parade Set for February 28

NASA advises viewing about an hour after sunset from a dark location for the clearest view.

Overview

  • Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will line up along the evening ecliptic, with the Moon appearing near Jupiter on the peak night.
  • NASA says four of the six will be visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a small telescope.
  • The display unfolds over several evenings and reaches its best on February 28, with only a brief post-dusk window before the lowest planets set.
  • Clear weather, low light pollution and an unobstructed western horizon about 30–60 minutes after sunset offer the best chance to see the lineup.
  • A similar straight-line arrangement is not expected again until September 8, 2040, according to StarWalk.