By Melanie McQuigg (Y12)
If there were ever a week to become an astronomer, the final days of February 2026 are it. The night sky is preparing to host a rare series of celestial events that will transform our horizon. Over the course of these days, we will witness the Moon grazing one of the most famous star clusters in history, a brilliant sunset meeting and the crown jewel of the late winter season, a massive six planet alignment spanning the entire sky. Whether you are armed with a high-powered telescope or just a pair of curious eyes, this stretch of February offers a front-row seat to the wonders of the universe. This is what to look for during the holiday…
Moon joins the “Seven Sisters”- 23rd of February
As the Moon approaches its first quarter phase, it will make a stunning pause right against the backdrop of the Pleiades star cluster that is famously known as the “Seven Sisters”. To catch this view, look high towards the southwest immediately after the sun dips below the horizon. The Moon will be drifting right past this sparkling cluster of giant, blue stars, creating a beautiful contrast between the rocky lunar surface and the ethereal glow of the cluster. While this event is visible to the naked eye, the intense glare of the Moon can wash out the fainter stars in the cluster. Using binoculars is highly recommended as it will help cut through the glare which will allow you to see the deep craters of the Moon while simultaneously revealing the dozens of hidden gems within the Pleiades constellation.
Inner Circle Huddle – 26th of February
Mercury and Venus are beginning to exit the celestial stage as they move lower towards the horizon, into the Sun’s overwhelming glare. However, this night will offer a spectacular “last meeting” for these inner planets. You will find them appearing just a few degrees apart, hanging very low in the western sky during twilight. Venus will be exceptionally radiant, almost acting like a “North Star of the West” and its brilliant light will serve as the perfect beacon to help you to locate the much fainter, elusive Mercury sitting beside it. While the naked eye can catch this pairing in perfect conditions, a pair of binoculars or a small telescope will significantly improve the view of Mercury. Looking elsewhere, the night remains busy. The king of planets, Jupiter will be positioned right next to the bright waxing gibbous Moon while the bright twin stars of Gemini, Castor and Pollux, stand guard directly above them.
Grand Planetary Parade – 28th of February
This is the landmark date that all astronomers and backyard stargazers alike have been anticipating since the start of the year. In a rare display, six planets, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and Jupiter will be aligned in one single arc across the night sky. To witness the full parade, timing is critical; Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Neptune will be hugging the western horizon, meaning that you’ll have a narrow 45 minute window after sunset to spot them before they disappear and sink out of sight. While these planets will be close to the horizon, Uranus will be situated much higher in the southwest sky, settled near the Pleiades, and Jupiter will dominate the South-Southeast, appearing as an unblinking spotlight. You will be able to see four out of these six planets with the naked eye but you’ll definitely need binoculars or a telescope to pull Neptune and Uranus out of the darkness.