February may be the shortest month of the year, but it is wasting no time in delivering a great lineup of celestial events. While the winter air remains crisp, the clarity of the February sky provides the perfect backdrop for the stunning views that our solar system has to offer. From the brilliant glow of the “Snow Moon”, to a rare transit involving a moon larger than the planet Mercury, the next few days are a perfect excuse to grab a thermos of tea, brave the winter chill, and look up.
Full Snow Moon – 1st of February
February is starting off with a Full Snow Moon which will illuminate the whole night sky but this won’t be the only celestial highlight this night. While Jupiter was the bright neighbor, turn your attention towards Saturn, which will shine with a steady, golden light for a few hours after sunset. Though it will be low on the horizon, it will remain a beautiful sight before it dips out of view. You will also be able to see the Beehive Cluster (M44) of stars if the sky is clear as it will sit near the bright Moon. You will be able to see this with the naked eye but you might need binoculars to see the exact stars in this cluster.
Moon in detail – 2nd of February
This night will be a very busy one, it will be a great time to see our Moon’s Gauss’ crater and Saturn’s moon, Titan will be behind Saturn. The Moon will be an almost full one at about 98% and it will be directly under Regulus. Regulus is the biggest and brightest star in the Leo constellation, it is also one of the brightest stars in the sky. You will see this if you look directly above the Moon. With the Moon being so bright, you will also be able to see Gauss’ Crater. This Crater on the Moon is massive, its width is 171km. The best time to view the crater is during or directly after sunset. You will be able to see this with the naked-eye.
Jupiter’s moons in center stage – 4th of February
On the 4th, two of Jupiter moons will be the star of the show or in this case the Night Sky. Callisto, one of Jupiter’s moons will be occulted which means it will be hidden behind Jupiter. Jupiter’s biggest moon, Ganymede, Jupiter’s biggest Moon that is larger than both Mercury and Pluto will transit Jupiter, which means that it will pass in front of it and so will Ganymede’s shadow. You will probably need a telescope or binoculars to see this huge Moon but it will be well worth it. The best viewing time for Ganymede will be first thing in the morning so make sure to look up before sunrise