The constellation of the moon, Jupiter and Venus appear at dusk above the beautiful … [+]
Getty
February is one of the best months of the year for stars. The 10 days around the New Moon – when the skies are darkest – is February 4-14 this year, and this is the peak time to go out to the bright winter constellaes such as Orion , Taurus, Gemini and Auriga see.
However, this month will see a number of other celestial events, from the Jupiter-Venus alliance to a trio of planets and a “Snow Moon. ”
Here’s what’s to come in the night sky in February 2021.
1. Venus and Jupiter in conjunction
When: Thursday, February 11, 2021
Just before sunrise in the southwest this morning it will be possible to see the two brightest planets – Venus and Jupiter – shining just 0.4º apart. Take a look at the sunrise time where you are and look very low to the southwest horizon 30 minutes earlier.
The pair occur very close to the horizon and are only visible for a short time before the skies shine.
The astronomical relationship of Saturn, Jupiter and Moon.
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2. The Moon Visits Mars and the ‘Seven Sisters’
When: Thursday and Friday, February 18 and 19, 2021
The Pleiades, also known as the “Seven Sisters,” are a classic sight in the winter night sky. This month you can watch the Moon pass 3.7º from Mars in the evening sky before creating a scattered triangle with the Pleiades the next night.
From Thursday, February 25 through Sunday, February 28, 2021, there will be Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury … [+]
Jamie Carter
3. ‘Trio planet’ of Jupiter, Mercury and Saturn
When: Thursday, February 24, 2021
There is no other “planet trip” until April 20, 2026, so try this alignment of Jupiter (lower), Mercury (above) and Saturn dimmer (above right) in the sky beforehand.
Look low on the eastern horizon just before the morning of February 24 and you will see lower Jupiter with Mercury above, and Saturn dimmer on the right. The following four mornings offer much of the same view with Jupiter appearing moving closer to Mercury.
Come back on 5 March 2021 to see Jupiter and Mercury in a very close connection in the same part of the night sky before morning.
Autumn moon shining behind Rocca Calascio Castle, Abruzzo, Italy on 1 October 2020. During this time … [+]
NurPhoto through Getty Images
4. Full ‘Hunger Moon’
When: Saturday, February 27, 2021
Ready for another full Moon? Today at 08:18 Universal Time our satellite will be illuminated by the Sun. Differently referred to as “Hunger Moon,” “Storm Moon” and “Snow Moon,” this is the last full Moon of the winter celestial season, which ends on an equinox date. Spring – March 21, 2021.
It is always best to look at Full Moons at sunrise when the gap between sunset and moonrise is shorter. From Europe and the east coast of North America which means the best nightfall on February 27th, and on the west coast the night before, February 26th, it offers the best views.
Mercury planet solar lens flare. Elements of this image provided by NASA
getty
5. Mercury high in the skies
When: Sunday, February 28, 2021
Have you ever had a great view of the small planet Mercury? If it’s not this morning the “Swift Planet” will be at its highest point in the morning sky. Look over the eastern horizon shortly before sunrise, although you may need binoculars to see it.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.