Exciting February sky events include Venus at its brightest and closest to Earth, the moon occulting the Pleiades, and a parade of planets in the post-sunset sky.

A planetary alignment, or a "planet parade" according to the internet, will grace our night sky just after dusk, according to SkyatNightMagazine. We'll see six planets in the first part of February – Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus and Saturn – and on Feb. 28, they'll be joined by Mercury.

Look to the southwest sky after sunset on Saturday, as the sliver of a waxing crescent moon nears bright Venus with Saturn just below. The moon and Venus will travel in tandem toward the western horizon, setting a few hours after the sun, according to Stellarium.

Although it's being mistakenly promoted as a "rare planetary alignment," one of the best "planet parades" in half a century is now taking place. Here's how to see it.

Known as the "Parade of Planets," the celestial event will feature appearances from Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune and Saturn through the end of January, according to Farmer's Almanac. Mercury will emerge in the night sky at the end of February, replacing Saturn.

The best viewing for January's planetary parade is about 90 minutes after sunset, in as dark and clear a spot as you can find. Use binoculars or a telescope for an even better look. The alignment will be visible into February.

A shortcut for New Yorkers to spot some of the planets is to look for them when they are near the moon. On Feb. 1, Venus will appear just above the crescent moon. On the third day of the month, Neptune will appear under Venus. Mars will appear near the moon on Feb. 9.

February brings a rare planetary parade, with five bright planets in clear view and a special alignment of Mercury and Saturn on Feb. 24.