A unique planetary alignment will take place on February 28: which planets will be visible in the sky above Ukraine?
27 February 18:16
On February 28, 2026, Ukrainians will be able to observe a rare astronomical phenomenon called a planetary parade. On this day, six planets will be visible above the horizon at the same time: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune. NASA reports that such configurations occur approximately once a decade, so they are of great interest to people interested in astronomy. The next time such a phenomenon is expected to occur is in 2040.
Where and when to watch the planetary parade on February 28, 2026
It is best to observe this phenomenon immediately after sunset. In Kyiv, the sun will set at approximately 5:40 p.m. on February 28, 2026, so the optimal time for observation is from 5:40 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. At this time, the sky will already be dark enough, and the planets closest to the horizon will not have had time to disappear.
You need to look for the planets along the so-called “ecliptic,” an imaginary line along which the Sun, Moon, and other planets move. However, the parade of planets will not look like a “perfectly straight line”; in fact, the planets will form a smooth arc of light. For observation, it is important to choose a place with an open western horizon and minimal light pollution. It is best to observe this phenomenon somewhere outside the city or at least away from bright street lighting.
Which planets will be visible without a telescope
Jupiter is the easiest to see, as it remains the brightest planet in the evening sky in February 2026. Venus, Saturn, and Mercury will also be visible in clear weather, but these planets will be very low above the horizon, so conditions must be nearly perfect to observe them. To see Uranus and Neptune, however, you will need binoculars or a telescope.
Why this phenomenon is considered rare
The planets of the Solar System are constantly moving in their orbits, but sometimes their positions in the sky can coincide in such a way that it seems as if they have “gathered” in one area of the sky. At the same time, there are enormous distances between them — from millions to billions of kilometers — and the parade of planets is only a visual effect.
From a scientific point of view, this phenomenon has no effect on Earth. The planetary parade does not affect the planet’s gravitational field and cannot cause disasters, despite regular waves of rumors on social media. At the same time, according to astrologers, planetary parades can bring about the completion of certain cycles, emotional changes, and a sense of a “turning point.”
Author: Olya Yushko
