It is a fortunate month for newbie astronomers because it affords an opportunity to identify no less than six planets within the night time sky. That’s not all. Right here’s the checklist of all you possibly can see within the February skies.
Full Moon: The Moon can be on the other facet of the Earth because the Solar on February 12 and its face can be totally illuminated. Early Native American tribes known as it the Snow Moon as a result of the heaviest snow often fell throughout this time. Because the harsh climate made looking troublesome, some tribes additionally known as it the Starvation Moon.
New Moon: The Moon will situated on the identical facet of the Earth because the Solar on February 28, and won’t be seen within the night time sky. That is one of the best time of the month to watch faint objects equivalent to galaxies and star clusters as a result of there isn’t a moonlight to intervene.
Planetary Parade: A uncommon planetary alignment that includes Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune can be seen each night time from sundown until round 9:30 p.m. The alignment peaks on February 28, when Mercury joins the procession, forming a seven-planet alignment.
At her brightest: The perfect time to catch Venus is after sundown. Seen above the western horizon, will probably be at its brightest finest, making it simply essentially the most seen night time sky object after the Moon.
Beehive Cluster: Do you know St. Valentine can also be the patron saint of beekeeping? On February 14, spot the Beehive Cluster (M44), a gaggle of about 1,000 stars that shines brightly within the constellation Most cancers. You may see it and not using a telescope if the sky is darkish however it seems even higher by way of one. First, establish the constellation after which search for Asellus Borealis and Asellus Australis. The Beehive Cluster is at its highest level round an hour earlier than midnight on February 14 and may also be seen within the early hours of February 15.
Revealed – February 05, 2025 11:29 am IST
