When the Curves Line Up publishes skywatching guides that focus on the moon, planets, and the brightest stars. Each article provides clear timing, angular separations, and directional reference points so observers know where and when to look. The site emphasizes careful description and is written for readers who value observational accuracy.
Late February Planet Parade?
Late in February, online sources are promoting a “seven-planet parade” stretching across the sky. The reality is far less dramatic. Some planets are bright and easy to see, others are buried in twilight, and a few are not visible at all. Read our analysis to see what the sky truly offers — and what the headlines get wrong.
Current Sky Events
2026, February 17: New Moon, Lunar New Year, and Evening Planets
February 17, 2026: A New moon marks Lunar New Year and the start of Ramadan as Mercury nears greatest elongation. Find Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, and Uranus in the February evening sky.
2026, February 18: Moon Occults Mercury and Evening Planets
February 18, 2026: Mercury is occulted by a thin crescent moon across parts of North America, Mexico, and Central America. Learn where and when to see the event, along with Saturn and Jupiter in the evening sky.
2026, February 19: Mercury at Greatest Elongation After Sunset With Saturn and the Crescent Moon
February 19, 2026: Mercury reaches its farthest apparent distance from the sun this evening, setting well after sunset as Saturn and a thin crescent Moon linger in evening twilight.
2026, February 19-20: The moon waxes and appears higher in the western sky each night.
February 19-21, 2026: The waxing crescent moon appears higher and brighter each evening. Learn when and where to look after sunset and how the moon’s eastward motion shapes its appearance.
2026, February 21: Waxing Crescent Moon, Mercury Fades, Jupiter Dominates
February 21, 2026: A detailed evening sky almanac describing the waxing crescent Moon, earthshine, fading Mercury, emerging Venus, dominant Jupiter, and binocular views of Uranus.
Venus as an Evening Star, 2026
Venus as an Evening Star
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LATEST ARTICLES
- 2026, February 25-28: Moon and Jupiter Meet Near Gemini Twins
February 25-28, 2026: Watch the waxing moon pass bright Jupiter and the Gemini Twins after sunset. A night-by-night guide to their close approach. - 2026, February 25: Planet Parade Reality: What You’ll Actually See
February 25, 2026: The widely promoted planet parade overstates what is visible. See which planets can truly be observed in late February’s evening sky. - 2026, February 24: Why February’s Planet Parade Falls Short
February 24, 2026: Venus enters the evening sky as Mercury and Saturn fade into twilight. See what planets are truly visible during late February. - 2026, February 23: First Quarter Moon Occults Pleiades Tonight
February 23, 2026: The nearly First Quarter moon occults stars in the Pleiades cluster. Viewing tips, binocular chart, and disappearance times for U.S. and Canada. - 2026, February 22: Seven-Planet Parade Claim Examined: What’s Visible
February 22, 2026: Are seven planets visible at once this month? A careful sky examination shows which planets can actually be seen and which cannot.