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What’s in the Sky for February 2025

February 2025 promises to be an exciting month for sky watchers and astronomy enthusiasts alike. With a series of celestial events, this month will showcase the beauty and wonder of the night sky. Here’s what to look forward to, along with some tips on how to enhance your stargazing experience.

Each celestial event provides a unique opportunity to observe the cosmos. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a beginner looking to explore the night sky, these highlights will surely captivate your interest. Make sure to check the weather forecast as clear skies are essential for optimal viewing. During Lunar events, you may also notice the moon’s surface details illuminated by Earthshine, which adds an extra layer of beauty to the scene. Remember to bring a star chart to identify the stars as they reappear after the moon has moved.

As Venus reaches its peak brightness, it’s a great opportunity to learn about its atmosphere and surface conditions. You can also capture the event with a time-lapse video to see how the brightness changes as the sun sets.

Set up your telescope to enjoy the details of Saturn’s rings, and consider using a smartphone adapter to take photos of the alignment. This event is perfect for both casual observers and photography enthusiasts.

Throughout the month, consider hosting a stargazing night with family and friends. Share your knowledge about the events and use apps to enhance the experience by identifying constellations and planets.

Feb 1 – Crescent Moon, Venus & Neptune in a 3° triangle. This event is particularly stunning for astrophotography enthusiasts, as the close proximity of these celestial bodies creates a beautiful contrast against the dark sky. Ensure your camera settings are optimized for low light conditions to capture this spectacular sight.

Feb 5th – First Quarter Moon visits/occults the Pleiades (M45). This is a fantastic opportunity to witness the stars of the Pleiades cluster vanish behind the moon. Consider using a telescope for a closer look at this beautiful star cluster.

Evening Sky: Look for constellations like Orion, which contains some of the brightest stars in the sky. The Orion Nebula (M42) is an excellent target for amateur astronomers. When observed through a telescope, it reveals stunning colors and structures.

Feb 21st – Venus at Greatest Brilliancy (evening). Venus, often referred to as the ‘Evening Star,’ will shine brightly this evening. To fully enjoy this spectacle, find a dark location away from city lights, and bring binoculars to appreciate the planet’s phases.

Feb 28th – Thin waxing crescent Moon between Mercury & Saturn (low at dusk). This is a rare alignment of three celestial bodies. For the best view, find a location with a clear western horizon. The crescent moon will create a striking visual with Mercury and Saturn nearby.

Solar System/Lunar Events in February 2025: February will be filled with fascinating solar system events. Each event provides a unique opportunity to learn more about our solar neighborhood. Make sure to plan a few stargazing nights to catch these celestial wonders.

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
						1
						Crescent Moon, Venus &Neptune in 3° t riangle
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
			First Qtr Moon Occultation by Gibbous Moon of Pleiades (M45) Midnite sky (MST)
9	10	11	12	13	14	15
			Full Moon		Venus Close to Saturn	Zodiacal Light visible in western evening sky for next two weeks
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
				Moon at Last Quarter	Venus at Greatest Brilliancy (evening)
23	24	25	26	27	28
	Mercury 1.5 ° from Saturn (low in evening sky) Mars Stationary (stops retrograde motion)			New Moon	Thin waxing crescent Moon between Mercury & Saturn (low at dusk)

Deep Sky Highlights February 2025

This section will explore some of the most breathtaking deep sky objects you can observe in February 2025. From nebulae to star clusters, each object tells a story of the universe’s history and beauty. Make sure to have a good star map handy as you venture into the depths of the night sky.

For the best experience, consider visiting locations known for aurora viewing, such as national parks or remote areas with minimal light pollution. Bring warm clothing and snacks for a comfortable experience while you wait for the lights to appear.

Evening Sky

Additionally, consider engaging with fellow enthusiasts can be an excellent way to share experiences and get tips on the best viewing practices.

Use binoculars or a telescope to explore the Belt and Sword of Orion. This area is rich with star clusters and nebulae, making it a perfect destination for both experienced stargazers and beginners. Take notes on what you observe for future reference.

Check our Astro-links page for resources on how to observe comets when they are visible, including tips on equipment and best viewing practices.

Midnight Sky:

For late-night observers, the Beehive Cluster (M44) in Cancer is a must-see. It is one of the closest star clusters to Earth and consists of over a thousand stars. Look for it with the naked eye, and use binoculars to see individual stars.

M44 The Beehive Cluster in Cancer

Leo’s Triplet of Galaxies is another highlight for midnight observers. This trio of galaxies is located in the constellation Leo, and while they may appear faint, they offer a glimpse into the vast universe. Bring a star chart to help locate them easily.

Morning Sky:

As dawn approaches, the Virgo Supercluster is an impressive group of galaxies to explore. This vast collection of galaxies stretches across millions of light-years and can be studied in detail with a telescope.

M13, the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, is another fantastic morning target. With a telescope, you can see thousands of stars packed closely together, creating a beautiful sight that highlights the beauty of the cosmos.

Aurora/Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are a spectacular natural light display that can occur during February 2025. While viewing opportunities may vary, it’s worth checking space weather reports for predictions of auroral activity. If conditions are right, find a dark location away from artificial lights and witness this breathtaking phenomenon.

Refer to our Astro-links page for detailed information on how to best prepare for aurora viewing and what equipment to bring.

Meteor Showers

While February 2025 does not feature any major meteor showers, it’s an excellent month to prepare for upcoming celestial events. Use this time to research and plan for future meteor shower nights, enhancing your knowledge of astronomy and observing techniques.

While we do not expect any major meteor showers in February 2025, this month serves as a perfect opportunity to reflect on the beauty of the night sky and enjoy the celestial events that do take place. Visit our post on 2025 Meteor showers for more details on what to expect later this year.

Comets

Currently, there are no bright comets visible from mid-northern latitudes. However, this is a great time to educate yourself about comets and their orbits. Understanding their appearances can enhance your appreciation for these celestial bodies when they do arrive.

There are no bright comets for February 2025 that can be seen from Mid-Northern Latitudes. Visit our Astro-links page for information on Comets