Planetary Line-Up for February
This month, Venus, the brightest planet, will dominate the western sky after sunset. Mars will shine bright with its amber hue in the east, remaining visible well into the early morning hours. Jupiter will be visible high above, while Saturn appears faint but still visible in the west after sunset.
- Mercury: Just visible above the horizon in late February.
- Venus: Bright and shining in the western sky after sunset.
- Mars: High in the east with an amber-orange hue.
- Jupiter: Bright and high overhead in the evening.
- Saturn: Visible low in the west in early evening.
Key Skywatching Events
Several exciting celestial events will take place throughout the month:
- February 1: Venus and the Moon will form a close pair in the western sky after sunset. Saturn will be visible just below them.
- February 5: The Moon will pass near the Pleiades star cluster, offering a stunning view.
- February 6: The Moon will form a line with Jupiter and the star Aldebaran.
- February 9: The nearly full Moon will be visible near Mars, with the stars Pollux and Castor just above.
The Brightest Moment for Venus
February is the perfect time to admire Venus, the Roman goddess of love, as it shines brightest for the year. By mid-March, Venus will fade from view as it moves closer to the Sun, only to reappear as a morning object in April. Unlike the Moon, Venus is most radiant when it’s in a thin crescent phase, closer to Earth.
