Need to knowThe rare celestial event will see Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all visible above the horizon simultaneously tonight
14:39, 28 Feb 2026Updated 14:40, 28 Feb 2026
A rare celestial ‘parade’ of six planets aligns in the night sky.(Image: Josh Dury / SWNS)
Sky watchers across Wales are being encouraged to look to the heavens tonight as a rare celestial “parade” of six planets aligns in the night sky.
On Saturday, February 28, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will all be positioned above the horizon simultaneously, offering a unique viewing window for astronomy enthusiasts. E
xperts suggest that witnessing five or six planets in such close proximity is an unusual phenomenon, providing a spectacular display for those with a clear view of the skyline.
Here is what you need to know:
Sky watchers throughout Wales will enjoy a unique chance this weekend to observe six planets creating a celestial ‘parade’ across the night sky.Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will all be observable above the horizon at the same time on Saturday (February 28), presenting the ideal viewing window for this unusual phenomenon. Astronomy experts highlight that seeing five or six planets together is a rare event.Royal Museums Greenwich stated: “At the end of February, there will be six planets visible in the night sky, an event popularly known as a ‘parade’ of planets because they’ll all appear in a roughly straight line across the sky.”The prime viewing period will be shortly following sunset, with darkness falling at around 5.40pm throughout the UK. Nevertheless, watchers should hold off until complete darkness has arrived before looking for the planets, reports Wales Online.Whilst certain planets such as Venus and Jupiter will be observable without equipment, others including Neptune and Uranus will need a telescope for best results. Jupiter will be the simplest to identify, showing as a brilliant point of light elevated in the heavens.For the greatest opportunity of seeing the full planetary formation, observers should find an unobstructed, clear outlook towards the western skyline.
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