Celestial Events in February
Added 2020-02-06 03:57:45 +0000 UTCNot much happening in February from a celestial event standpoint- but here are a couple things to look out for:
2/8 Super Snow Moon:
For the second year in a row, February's full moon is also a supermoon, and the moon will appear slightly larger in the night sky, and be significantly brighter. This happens when the moon is in its perigee, the closest part of its elliptical orbit. I plan on getting a shot of this full moon to share with you, weather permitting.
2/10 Mercury at Western Elongation:
The planet Mercury is the easiest to view during this time, at it's furthest angular distance from the sun. Look for it in the evening skies shortly after sunset in the western horizon. I may or may not shoot it, as it is usually blocked from my backyard by trees and houses.
2/18 Mars Occultation:
The moon will briefly pass in front of Mars on the morning of February 18th, right before dawn. You will see the red planet slip behind the slim crescent of the waning moon and reappear on the dark side. The time this happens will depend on your location, so if you'd like to catch it check the weather before hand and look up the event using something like sky safari to track it based on your location. I plan on observing and photographing this event, weather permitting.
2/23 New Moon:
This happens every month, but I'd like to point it out since it is generally the best time to stargaze, without the bright moon hiding the stars.
