This is a parade you won’t want to miss, so mark your calendars and get ready to look up at the sky over the weekend.
Usually, people can look up at the bright sky and spot at least one planet. Two or three planets are also commonly hanging out in the night sky, according to NASA. But what about when four, five, or even six planets are visible? Well, then it’s what’s known as a “planetary parade”.
On Feb. 28, after the sun sets, the rare phenomenon will occur, with six planets appearing to align and form a parade across the evening sky, according to Space.com.
Six planets, Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Jupiter, will be visible, according to NASA. Seeing a parade of six or even seven planets is rare. Of the six, four will be visible to the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope will be needed to see Uranus and Neptune.
The “planetary parade” will take place days before a total lunar eclipse, which will occur in the early morning of March 3. The light from the nearly full moon could affect visibility.
Here’s what to know about the six planets set to align.
The “planetary parade” will be visible in the evening of Saturday, Feb. 28, according to NASA.
Stargazers in the northern hemisphere should face the southern sky soon after sunset, Chelsea Gohd, outreach specialist for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, told USA TODAY in an email.
For the best chance of seeing the planetary parade, stargazers should move away from city lights and to a viewing location where the horizon is clear, according to Gohd.
Six planets will be visible from Earth in the evening sky, just after the sun sets, according to NASA:
“Saturn will be near the horizon, Venus and Mercury will be higher up in the sky and Jupiter will be up high in the sky near the Moon,” Gohd stated. “Uranus and Neptune will be nearby Saturn, but will be harder to spot.”
A telescope or binoculars can help backyard astronomers observe the planets that are harder to see. Stargazing apps, such as Stellarium or Sky Safari, can also help identify planets and constellations in the sky.
The moonlight and light pollution could affect the visibility of the “planetary parade”.
Certain planets will only be visible with binoculars or a telescope.
Those interested in purchasing equipment should steer clear of telescopes that cost less than $500 and opt for Celestron, Robert Lunsford, the American Meteor Society’s newsletter editor and fireball report coordinator, previously told USA TODAY.
He advises beginners to choose a telescope with a lens rather than a mirror, and for those seeking a more affordable option, he recommends binoculars.
Also, be sure to pack mosquito repellent and dress appropriately for the weather in your area. Check the weather in advance to ensure the skies are clear.
The total lunar eclipse will take place early Tuesday morning, on March 3. The event should be visible throughout North and Central America. During the eclipse, the moon will appear blood-red in the morning.
This story was updated with new information.
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, space, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.