Rare six-planet spectacle to light up the evening sky this weekend: Here’s when, where and how to watch the planetary parade

A rare planetary parade is set to occour this weekend. The spectacle will be visible across the UK. During the rare celestial event Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter should be visible without special equipment. Spotting Uranus and Neptune, however, will likely require binoculars or a small telescope.

A planetary parade isn’t an everyday sight, but it’s not extraordinarily rare either. These alignments can stretch over several days or even weeks, giving observers multiple chances to catch the show.

What is a planetary parade?
A planetary parade occurs when several planets appear to line up across the sky from Earth’s perspective. It’s important to note they are not forming a perfectly straight line in space.


Astronomers explain that all the planets travel around the Sun along roughly the same flat plane, known as the ecliptic. Because of this shared orbital path, they can sometimes appear grouped together in our sky, as if arranged in a row.

Where the planets will appear
This weekend, Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Neptune will sit low along the western horizon soon after sunset. Clear skies and an unobstructed view toward the west will be key.

Jupiter will shine much higher up in the constellation Gemini, standing out even in areas affected by moderate light pollution. Uranus, positioned in Taurus, will remain visible until around midnight, offering a better viewing window for those using binoculars.

The closest clustering is expected around 28 February, although the exact timing varies slightly depending on location. In the UK, Sunday evening is predicted to provide especially favourable viewing conditions.

Even if you miss the peak night, the alignment will remain noticeable into early March, particularly with Mercury and Venus appearing close together and Saturn lingering nearby.

Planet-by-planet viewing guide
Mercury and Venus
Both planets are bright but can be tricky due to their low position near the horizon. Mercury reaches its highest point in the sky around 19–20 February, while Venus shifts slightly lower at that time. By 28 February, their positions balance out for better joint viewing. Binoculars may help pick out Mercury in twilight.

Saturn and Neptune
Saturn remains visible to the naked eye but is gradually edging closer to the Sun’s glare. Neptune is much fainter and will require at least a small telescope to identify clearly.

Uranus and Jupiter
Uranus will appear below the Pleiades star cluster and may be detectable with binoculars under dark skies. Jupiter, though past its opposition, remains brilliant and is the easiest of the six planets to locate.

Moon and star clusters
A bright waxing gibbous Moon will rise in the eastern sky beneath Jupiter. Observers with binoculars may also notice the Beehive Cluster glowing nearby — one of the sky’s most prominent open star clusters.

Tips for the best view
Allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.

Spend five to ten minutes away from artificial light before looking up.

Use a blanket or reclining chair to stay comfortable while observing.

Dress warmly if temperatures drop.

If using a stargazing app, switch to red-light mode to preserve night vision.

Comfort and patience go a long way. The alignment may appear subtle at first, but each of these distant worlds offers its own quiet brilliance. With clear skies and a little preparation, this weekend’s celestial display could be well worth stepping outside for.