Six-Planet Alignment February 2026: Stargazing After Your Send
Rare planetary alignment visible from your cabin deck. Best viewing times and what to expect from this celestial show.
February 2026 brings a rare six-planet alignment visible from Red River Basecamp. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus will appear in a spectacular celestial line-up, best viewed from your elevated cabin deck.
Optimal Viewing Times
The alignment is best visible 45 minutes after sunset, when the sky is dark enough to see fainter planets but bright enough to spot Mercury low on the horizon. From your basecamp, this occurs around 7:15 PM EST in late February.
What You'll See
Venus and Jupiter will be the brightest objects, easily visible to the naked eye. Mars appears as a reddish point, while Saturn requires binoculars for its distinctive color. Mercury hugs the western horizon, and Uranus needs telescopic aid.
Photography Opportunities
The gorge's sandstone cliffs provide dramatic foreground elements for wide-angle shots of the planetary alignment. Use a 14-24mm lens with 10-15 second exposures to capture both the planets and the landscape.
Basecamp Advantages
Your elevated position eliminates light pollution from the valley below, while the cabin's amenities ensure comfort during extended viewing sessions. The hot tub provides a unique stargazing experience between photography sessions.