A rare-looking “planetary parade” is set to brighten the evening sky this week, with six planets visible across the same stretch of sky on February 28. The catch is timing: the best part of the lineup sits very low in the west and shows up only briefly after sunset, so an open horizon and clear air matter as much as enthusiasm.
The most rewarding view comes soon after dusk, when the inner planets appear close to the horizon alongside Saturn and the harder-to-spot Neptune. Higher up, Jupiter dominates the scene, with Uranus tucked near a famous star cluster that works like a celestial signpost.
Best night and best direction
The key date is Saturday, February 28. Find an unobstructed view due west with minimal trees, buildings, or hills in the way. The low western planets sit in the bright zone of twilight, so even thin haze can erase them. Aim to be in position before sunset so you can start scanning as the sky darkens.
The tight twilight window in the west
Shortly after sunset, four planets gather low in the western sky: Venus, Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune. The prime window opens around half an hour after sunset and lasts roughly 45 minutes, after which the low planets sink into the horizon glow.
Venus is the anchor for the whole search. It’s the brightest object in that direction and stands out even when the sky still looks blue. Mercury, often the hardest naked-eye planet, sits close to the horizon near Venus and benefits from a clear, dry sky. Saturn appears a bit higher than Venus and Mercury, usually as a steady, pale point.
Neptune is the outlier: it’s faint and sits close to Saturn’s apparent position in the sky, making it a difficult target in twilight. A telescope of around 6 inches can help in darker conditions, but the bright afterglow can still make Neptune an elusive catch.
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Jupiter shines high in the south
Once the western group is located—or if the horizon glow wins—shift your attention higher toward the south. Jupiter will be prominent in Gemini, shining with a bright, steady light that tends not to twinkle like surrounding stars. It’s the easiest planet in this lineup to identify without any equipment.
To orient yourself between the low western cluster and Jupiter, look for Orion’s Belt. The three bright belt stars sit roughly between the horizon planets and Jupiter’s position, offering a familiar reference point for navigation across the sky.
Uranus near the Pleiades
Uranus is also in the evening sky, though it generally needs binoculars or a small telescope. A reliable guide is the Pleiades (M45), the compact, shimmering star cluster also known as the Seven Sisters. Trace Orion’s Belt upward toward the Pleiades; Uranus sits just below the cluster in Taurus, appearing as a small, dim point rather than a sparkling star.
Moon bonus with the Beehive Cluster
February 28 also brings a lunar pairing worth a look. The waxing gibbous moon, about 92% illuminated, moves close to the Beehive Cluster (M44/NGC 2632). The Beehive is a rich open cluster with roughly 1,000 stars and lies about 577 light-years away. Binoculars can turn this into a striking scene, with the moon’s bright edge near a dense sprinkling of stars.
A total lunar eclipse follows on March 3
As the planetary grouping fades from the evening sky, a more dramatic event arrives: a total lunar eclipse on March 3, during the full Worm Moon. During totality, the moon can turn a deep reddish-copper color for about 58 minutes. The best views of the full eclipse sequence favor the western United States (including Alaska and Hawaii), the Pacific islands, New Zealand, Australia, and parts of East Asia.
Simple viewing tips that make a big difference
For the planetary parade, the western horizon is everything. Choose a spot with a clean line of sight and minimal light pollution, and start looking as soon as the sun drops. Binoculars improve the odds of catching Mercury and Uranus and can enhance the Beehive Cluster pairing. A telescope is the best tool for Neptune, though twilight can still keep it just out of reach.
For additional skywatching guidance and planet visibility details, NASA’s Solar System Exploration has helpful observing resources and background on the planets you’ll be trying to spot.
