Across the vast Canadian landscape, from the rugged coasts of Newfoundland to the mountains of British Columbia, sky-watchers are looking upward this evening, 28 February 2026, for a rare celestial event: a “planetary parade.”
Six planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus—have moved into a rare alignment along the ecliptic. While planetary alignments occur periodically, the grouping of six worlds simultaneously is an uncommon spectacle that has captured the attention of astronomers and amateur stargazers alike.
| Planet | Visibility Status | Viewing Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Venus & Jupiter | Brightest; easily visible | Naked Eye |
| Saturn & Mercury | Low on horizon; fading fast | Naked Eye / Binoculars |
| Uranus & Neptune | Dim; requires dark skies | Telescope Required |
The peak of this alignment is occurring today, 28 February. For Canadians, the best viewing window begins approximately 30 minutes after sunset. Observers should look toward the western horizon to catch the lower-hanging planets—Mercury, Venus, and Saturn—before they set between 18:30 and 19:00 local time. Jupiter remains high and brilliant, serving as a primary anchor for the celestial line.
Astronomers at the Royal Observatory and local Canadian space enthusiasts note that while the “parade” appears as a straight line from our perspective on Earth, it is actually an optical illusion caused by the planets’ positions in their respective orbits around the Sun. “It’s like beads on a string,” says one report from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, noting that such events provide a unique opportunity to visualize the plane of our solar system.
For those facing overcast skies tonight, experts suggest not to panic. While 28 February is the mathematical peak of the grouping, the planets will remain in a relatively close configuration through the first few days of March. However, Mercury will become increasingly difficult to spot by mid-week as it moves closer to the solar glare.
This event serves as a prelude to a busy astronomical month; a total lunar eclipse is expected to follow on 3 March 2026, marking a significant period for Canadian lunar and planetary observation.
Editor’s Note: When viewing the horizon shortly after sunset, ensure you do not point telescopes or binoculars directly at the Sun to avoid permanent eye damage.