Planets Aligning Tonight: How and When to See Six Planets in a Planetary Parade

Skywatchers should be ready: planets aligning tonight forms a six-planet “planetary parade” visible low in the sky, with the event concentrated around Feb. 28 and best seen from clear, raised locations with a view of the horizon.

Planets Aligning Tonight: where to look

Most of this week’s naked-eye planetary action will take place low in the western sky. Mercury will be shining 10 degrees — roughly the width of your clenched fist held at arm’s length — above the late winter skyline, with Venus close to its left. Saturn will glow less than 10 degrees to the upper left of Venus. Jupiter will be high in the eastern sky, with the waxing gibbous moon below, obscuring the stars of the constellation Cancer with its reflected light.

Mercury, Venus and Saturn: timing and quick tips

Mercury and Venus will follow the sun out of sight roughly an hour after sunset, briefly becoming more visible as the sky darkens and they grow closer to the horizon. Observers are advised to stake out a raised location with a clear view of the horizon well ahead of time and use a smartphone stargazing app to figure out exactly where the planets will be in their local environment.

Neptune and Uranus: bring a scope

Neptune will sit two degrees to the right of Saturn but will be too dim to spot with the unaided eye. Under dark skies, a telescope with an aperture of 8 inches (200 millimeters) or more can reveal its tiny bluish disk, though its low position on the horizon and proximity to the glare of the sun will make it a challenge to spot on the nights surrounding Feb. 28. The utmost care must be taken to ensure that the sun is firmly below the horizon before pointing telescopic equipment in its general direction.

Uranus can be located by sweeping a scope across the patch of sky 5 degrees below the Pleiades open star cluster, to the right of the "V" formation of stars in the constellation Taurus in the hours following sunset. Those new to the night sky may want to use a smartphone astronomy app that uses augmented reality technology to help pinpoint planets and constellations.

Jupiter and the moon: a bright anchor

With Jupiter shining high in the east and the waxing gibbous moon below it, that part of the sky will be bright enough that the stars of Cancer will be obscured by the moon’s reflected light. Jupiter’s position provides a useful counterpoint to the low-western action and helps orient viewers across the sky.

Practical notes, photography and extra reading

Observers are warned that the parade is challenging: Mercury sits low and close to the sun’s glare, Neptune and Uranus need telescopes, and local weather will play a major role. One note from the coverage: "We truly hope it doesn't rain on your parade. " The brief marketing copy in the original coverage also explains, "When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. " The site urges readers to "discover this week's must-see night sky events, moon phases, and stunning astrophotos" and invites people to "sign up to our monthly entertainment newsletter" as well as to "sign up for our skywatching newsletter and explore the universe with us!" It also mentions Space. com's Sci‑Fi Reader's Club: "Read a sci-fi short story every month and join a virtual community of fellow science fiction fans!"

Award-winning night sky photographer Josh Dury grappled with the sheer scope of the scene along with the glow of the setting sun and other challenges to capture a

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Plan your viewing for the nights surrounding Feb. 28, use a smartphone stargazing app if you need help locating the planets, and take care with telescopes — ensure the sun is fully below the horizon before pointing any optical gear. Clear skies and a raised horizon view will give you the best chance to catch this six-planet parade.