Six-Planet Evening Alignment to Offer Rare Viewing Opportunity on February 28

Feb 23, 2026: A striking celestial event is set to unfold on 28 February as six planets become visible in the evening sky shortly after sunset, creating a broad arc across the horizon.

The phenomenon, often described as a “planetary alignment,” will be observable from much of the world under clear weather conditions.

The display will include Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn, all of which can be seen without optical aid. The more distant Uranus and Neptune will also be part of the alignment, though they will require binoculars or a small telescope due to their faint brightness.

A Post-Sunset Sky Event

The optimal viewing window will occur within the first hour after sunset. Observers should look toward the western horizon, where several of the planets will appear relatively close together along the ecliptic — the apparent path traced by the Sun across the sky.

Venus is expected to be the most eye-catching object, shining brightly against the fading twilight. Jupiter will appear higher in the sky, while Mercury and Saturn will sit lower and closer to the horizon. Uranus and Neptune will be positioned farther along the same arc but will require darker skies and magnification to detect.

The Moon’s phase will be favorable, with only a slim portion illuminated, minimizing interference from moonlight.

What an Alignment Really Means

Despite the dramatic term, a planetary alignment does not mean the planets form a perfectly straight line in space. Instead, the effect is created by Earth’s perspective. Because the planets orbit the Sun in roughly the same flat plane, they sometimes appear grouped along a curved line from our viewpoint.

Astronomers emphasize that these events are visual configurations rather than rare physical rearrangements of the solar system. However, having six planets visible in a single evening sky is uncommon enough to attract global interest.

Ideal Conditions for Viewing

To maximize visibility, experts recommend choosing an open location with an unobstructed western horizon. Areas away from city lights will significantly improve the chances of spotting the fainter planets. Stargazing apps can help identify exact positions in real time.

Observers using binoculars or telescopes should wait until the Sun is fully below the horizon to avoid eye damage and equipment risk.

A Shared Global Experience

Beyond its scientific explanation, the alignment offers a rare moment of collective observation. Events like this connect observers across continents, reminding people that planetary motion is constant — even if its visual patterns occasionally surprise us.

As February closes, the six-planet display provides both a spectacle and an educational opportunity, encouraging public interest in astronomy and a deeper appreciation of our place within the solar system.

🌍 Why Spain Is Frequently Highlighted

1. Excellent Viewing Conditions
Spain, especially southern regions like Andalusia and the Canary Islands, is known for clear winter skies and low light pollution — ideal for astronomical events.

2. Strong Astronomy Community
Spain hosts major observatories such as:

These institutions often provide expert commentary, images, and visibility maps to global media.

3. Favorable Geographic Position
Southern Europe has a good sunset angle during this period, allowing multiple planets to be visible shortly after dusk.

4. Media Sourcing
International media frequently rely on European space agencies and Spanish observatories for quotes, forecasts, and sky simulations.