What Happened
A six-planet alignment is set to be visible in the night sky starting late February 2026, with the peak visibility occurring just after sunset on February 28, 2026. This event follows a similar seven-planet alignment that captivated stargazers in February 2025. The planets involved in the upcoming alignment include Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, while Mars will not be visible this time.
Why It Matters
The visibility of this six-planet alignment offers a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and the general public to observe multiple planets in the night sky simultaneously. Such celestial events can enhance public interest in astronomy and encourage educational outreach regarding planetary science. Observers are advised to view the alignment shortly after sunset to ensure safety, as looking directly at the Sun can cause serious eye damage.
What’s Next
As the date approaches, stargazers are encouraged to prepare for the event by checking local weather conditions and finding suitable observation locations. Additionally, resources such as the BBC Sky at Night Magazine will provide weekly stargazing advice and updates on the visibility of the planets involved in the alignment.
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