The middle of February is turning the night sky into a planetary playground. If the first part of this month was about distant stars, this week is about our closest neighbors. We’re talking about a once in a century duo, a Moon so thin it’s practically a ghost, and a rare moment where the elusive Mercury finally stops hiding behind the Sun’s curtain of light. Essentially, the solar system has decided to stop being socially distant for a few days. This week, the western horizon becomes a celestial stage. Whether you are a seasoned astronomer or a casual observer with a pair of binoculars, here is your guide to what to see and how to catch the show before the curtain closes.
Saturn and Neptune Close Conjunction – 16th of February
These two planets have been very active recently, and they will have a very close conjunction, which means that they will appear to be very close to each other. Look west just after sunset, and you should spot the planet Saturn with the naked eye. Saturn will be easier to spot than Neptune as it will be bright, low on the horizon. You will, however, need a telescope to see its icy cousin Neptune, as it is over 30 times farther and will appear much fainter. It will be sitting less than a degree away from the famous ringed planet, so it is well worth seeing. This is the last time they will be this close until the year 2132, so it’s a once in a century event.
Twilight Trio – 18th of February
This night will feature one of the most delicate sights of the year, the narrowest crescent Moon. Look west during the twilight glow, after sunset and you will see the “hairline” Moon that will be about 2% illuminated. It won’t appear as a disk but as a “hairline” silver thread suspended in the sunset. This silver sliver will be nestled between Venus and Mercury. The “Evening Star” (Venus) will be under the Moon and Mercury will be glowing pale and steady above it. If you look slightly above these two, you will find Saturn “watching” over the trio. You might be able to see this with the naked eye, but a telescope or binoculars will probably be necessary. Be quick, as the viewing window for this will be about 30-60 minutes after sunset!
Inner Planets’ Peak 19th of February
This will be a main event for planetary hunters. Mercury will reach its greatest elongation, meaning that it will be at its furthest separation from the Sun and the easiest to spot all year. This is because, as Mercury is so close to the Sun, it often gets hidden by solar light. Look west once again, immediately after sunset, and this incredible planet will be at its highest point in the sky for 2026, glowing with a steady, pale light. Venus will lie just above Mercury, acting as a bright beacon to help you spot it. Meanwhile, the slightly larger Moon will have moved upwards and “teamed up” with Saturn, sitting right next to the ringed planet. This result will have the two innermost planets huddled near the horizon, while the Moon and Saturn anchor the view from above.
Nice! 🔭✨ I will make sure to look out for these!