HOUSTON (CW39) – Social media is abuzz with a planetary parade happening Saturday night. Six planets will be visible on the western horizon, and Houston’s weather will cooperate.
What is a planetary parade?
Planetary parade isn’t an official NASA term, but it’s a popular way to describe several planets appearing in the sky at the same time. In this case, many of the planets we can normally see with the naked eye will all be visible in one evening, plus a couple more if you have a telescope.
When is the next planetary parade?
The next planetary parade happens on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The planets will be visible right at sunset, which is at 6:20 pm. You will start to by looking at the western horizon, moving east to see Jupiter. But, you will need to be quick about it. According to Dr. Aaron Clevenson, Director of the Insperity Observatory in Humble, you have 30 minutes to catch all six planets.
Where is the best viewing spot for the planetary parade?
You might think that you will have to drive out to the country to see the planets clearly. But you would be wrong. Dr. Clevenson said the planets will be bright enough to see from the city.
“You can see them even with the light pollution that we have in the Houston area,” assured Dr. Clevenson. “You want to make sure you have a very low horizon, because these are going to be very, very low in the West.
Dr. Clevenson’s best viewing tips include:
- Choose a spot with a low, unobstructed western horizon
- Avoid buildings, tall trees, and hills blocking the western sky.
- Parking lots, open fields, parks, or elevated spots can work well.
- City vs. suburbs
- Light pollution in cities like Houston isn’t a dealbreaker for this event.
- The bigger problem is obstructions near the horizon, not brightness.
- Suburban or rural locations with a clear western view are ideal, but you can still see the main planets from town.
- Bring binoculars if you have them
- Venus will be obvious without help.
- Mercury is much fainter, and binoculars make it easier to pick out in the haze near the horizon.
- Binoculars also help separate planets from background stars.
What will be the forecast in Houston for the planetary parade?
And of course, clear skies are essential. Fortunately, we are expecting clear skies throughout the early evening. The clouds will be increasing, but not until about 9 pm, when the parade will have been over for hours.
Which planets will be visible for the planetary parade?
While this particular planetary formation is not rare, Dr. Aaron Clevenson, Director of the Insperity Observatory in Humble, said it is unusual to see them in the evening sky. He noted four planets would be visible — three just above the horizon — with the naked eye, while two would need a telescope.
- The brightest ‘star’ you can see is Venus. That’s your easiest target.
- A little to the left of Venus is Mercury. It will be much fainter, so a pair of binoculars can help.
- Then look above Venus for Saturn, also hanging low
- Look about twice as high as the Moon in the easter sky to find Jupiter, another very bright planet.
If you have a telescope, you can spot:
- Uranus, below Jupiter
- Neptune, which will be closer to the horizon
The only major planet missing from this parade is Mars, so you’ll almost have the full lineup in one evening…