Residents in Mooresville and the greater Charlotte area will have a chance to witness a rare celestial event later this month as six planets will be above the horizon and visible in the evening sky.
The event, often called a “planet parade,” will peak around February 28, 2026, when Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will all be positioned in the evening sky after sunset.
📅 When to Watch
The best time to see the planets will be about 30 to 45 minutes after sunset in the Mooresville and Charlotte area. The viewing window is relatively short for some planets, especially those low on the horizon. Clear skies and an unobstructed view of the western horizon will provide the best conditions.
🔭 What You Will See
During this event, all six planets will be positioned in the sky at the same time, but they will not appear clustered together. Instead, they will stretch across the sky in an arc.
👀 Visible to the naked eye:
Venus, one of the brightest objects in the sky
Jupiter, which will be high and easy to spot
Saturn, which will appear fainter
Mercury, which will be low and more difficult to see
🔍 Requires binoculars or a telescope:
Uranus
Neptune
Jupiter will remain visible for a longer period, while Mercury and Venus will be closer to the horizon and visible for a shorter time after sunset.
🌌 Where to Look
To see the planet parade, look toward the western horizon shortly after sunset. Find a location with minimal light pollution and avoid trees or buildings blocking your view. Planets shine with a steady light, unlike stars which appear to twinkle.
🌟 A Special Viewing Opportunity
Planetary alignments happen from time to time, but seeing six planets positioned in the evening sky at once is less common. This event occurs because the planets appear on the same side of the Sun from Earth’s perspective. The alignment will be visible for several days around February 28, with that date offering one of the best viewing opportunities.
📍 Don’t Miss It
If skies are clear, Mooresville residents can step outside after sunset and look up to catch this rare display.
