Kenyans will turn their eyes to the evening sky tonight as six planets line up in a rare display that the Kenya Space Agency says will be one of the year’s most striking astronomical events.
The alignment, expected shortly after sunset, will see Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune appear together above the western horizon in what experts call a planetary parade.
In a notice shared on Twitter, the Kenya Space Agency said the planets will be visible at the same time from Kenya, offering both a breathtaking sight and a chance for learning.
The formation happens when planets appear close to each other in the sky as seen from Earth, even though they remain millions of kilometres apart in space.
"Tonight, Saturday, February 28, 2026, six planets will align in the western sky after sunset, creating a rare and spectacular celestial display. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will appear together in what is known as a “planetary parade.”
“This is one of the best evenings to observe them,” KSA tweeted, urging the public to look toward the western horizon immediately after sunset.
The agency said the event is open to everyone, from seasoned sky watchers to students and families curious about space. It described the alignment as a valuable moment to observe how planets move and how they can sometimes appear to gather in one part of the sky.
"To enhance your viewing experience, use a telescope or astronomy apps such as Stellarium to help identify the planets and navigate the night sky with ease," the agency said.
While planetary parades are not new, they do not happen often with six planets visible at once. The agency noted that such an arrangement will not easily occur again in the coming years, making tonight’s display special for observers across the country.
According to the Kenya Space Agency, clear skies will offer the best chance to witness the rare formation. It called on Kenyans to step outside shortly after sunset, face the western horizon and take in what it described as a remarkable alignment of planets within our solar system.
