Past the celebs – The Hindu

There’s loads to look out for in February
| Photograph Credit score: AFP

It is a fortunate month for beginner astronomers because it presents an opportunity to identify a minimum of six planets within the night time sky. That’s not all. Right here’s the record of all you possibly can see within the February skies.

Full Moon: The Moon might be on the other facet of the Earth because the Solar on February 12 and its face might be absolutely illuminated. Early Native American tribes known as it the Snow Moon as a result of the heaviest snow often fell throughout this time. For the reason that harsh climate made looking troublesome, some tribes additionally known as it the Starvation Moon.

New Moon: The Moon will situated on the identical facet of the Earth because the Solar on February 28, and won’t be seen within the night time sky. That is the very best time of the month to watch faint objects akin to galaxies and star clusters as a result of there isn’t a moonlight to intrude.

Planetary Parade: A uncommon planetary alignment that includes Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune might be seen each night time from sundown until round 9:30 p.m. The alignment peaks on February 28, when Mercury joins the procession, forming a seven-planet alignment.

At her brightest: The perfect time to catch Venus is after sundown. Seen above the western horizon, it will likely be at its brightest greatest, making it simply essentially the most seen night time sky object after the Moon.

Beehive Cluster: Do you know St. Valentine can be the patron saint of beekeeping? On February 14, spot the Beehive Cluster (M44), a bunch of about 1,000 stars that shines brightly within the constellation Most cancers. You possibly can see it with out a telescope if the sky is darkish but it surely appears even higher via one. First, determine the constellation after which search for Asellus Borealis and Asellus Australis. The Beehive Cluster is at its highest level round an hour earlier than midnight on February 14 and may also be seen within the early hours of February 15.