Skywatchers can catch a rare planetary parade with six planets aligning on February 28, followed by a stunning total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, visible across parts of North America, Australia, and Asia.
A week of wonders in the sky
Skywatchers, get ready for an unforgettable celestial show this week! From February 28, six planets: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Uranus, and Neptune, will align in a rare and spectacular cosmic event known as a "planetary parade." NASA has dubbed this a must-see occasion, as it’s a unique opportunity to see multiple planets in alignment at once.
The best part? Four of these planets, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury, will be visible to the naked eye, weather permitting. Venus, being the brightest object in the sky aside from the moon, will be the easiest to spot. Uranus and Neptune, however, will require binoculars or a telescope.
To catch the best view, head outside 15 to 30 minutes after sunset. Look toward the west for Venus, which will be the lowest planet on the horizon, followed by Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune.
Higher up in the southwest sky, you’ll find Uranus, and over in the southeast, look for Jupiter, which will be close to the moon. This planetary alignment will be visible across various parts of the world and may stretch for a few days.
But that’s not all. On March 3, 2026, a breathtaking total lunar eclipse will occur, known for turning the moon into a fiery red "blood moon." This spectacular event will be visible across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia. This will be the last total lunar eclipse until the end of 2028, so don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary event.
Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a curious first-timer, this is the perfect week to get outside, look up, and marvel at the wonders of the universe. With two incredible events happening in such a short time, it’s a reminder that the sky still holds mysteries worth exploring.
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The Beiruter
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