A rare six-planet “alignment” — sometimes called a planet parade — will be visible in the night sky shortly after sunset on Saturday, Feb. 28.
Stargazers across New York will be able to spot several planets lining up along the western horizon about 30 to 60 minutes after sunset, according to Space.com.
Jupiter and Venus will be the easiest to see with the naked eye. Mercury and Saturn will sit low on the horizon and may only be visible briefly.
Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope.
Planetary alignments happen periodically, but seeing six planets grouped together is relatively uncommon, according to NASA.
Where and when to look
March’s full ‘Worm Moon’ and lunar eclipse
Looking ahead: March’s full moon — known as the Worm Moon — will peak at 6:38 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 3. The name refers to the thawing ground and the return of earthworms as spring approaches. That same night, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across the Americas. In New York, the moon will set while fully eclipsed, potentially creating a dramatic view near the horizon if skies are clear.
Moonrise times in New York
What’s next?
The next full moon, the Pink Moon, will occur April 1, reaching peak illumination at 10:12 p.m. ET.
Contributing: USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rare six-planet alignment visible over New York this weekend
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
