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February 25, 2026
Astronomical Spectacle Arrives: Impressive Planet Alignment Visible to the Naked Eye
From February 28, 2026, with clear skies, the planets Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye. Uranus and Neptune will only be available with binoculars or a telescope.
TL;DR
- Four planets (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn) will be visible to the naked eye from February 28, 2026.
- Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope.
- The planets will be visible in an irregular pattern near the Sun, shortly after sunset.
- Mercury and Venus will be closest to the horizon, followed by Saturn and Neptune, then Uranus and Jupiter higher in the sky.
- Viewing more than three planets may be challenging due to their proximity to the Sun.
- The planetary alignment will be visible during the last weekend of February and early March.
- Similar astronomical events occur every few years.
- In 2026, Mars will become visible before sunrise in April, and Venus will shine brightly as the 'Evening Star' after sunset, reaching its brightest in September.
- A peak planetary event in 2026 is predicted for June 9 with a close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter.
- Astronomers recommend observing about an hour after sunset in an open area free of obstructions.
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