Current Night Sky

Are you ready to embark on a celestial adventure in February 2024? This month promises some exciting sights in the night sky that you won't want to miss. From shifting planets to a stunning spiral galaxy, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your telescope and get ready to explore the wonders of the universe.

What to Look for

In February 2024, Venus will begin its exit from the morning skies, while Mars makes its return to visibility. If you're looking for a cute celestial couple, keep an eye out for Jupiter and the Moon on Valentine's Day. And if you're up for a challenge, point your telescope near the Big Dipper to catch a glimpse of M81, also known as "Bode's Galaxy."

February Skywatching Highlights

February 6: Spot Venus together with a slim crescent Moon in the east as the sky starts to brighten.
February 9: New Moon.
February 14: Look for the crescent Moon near Jupiter in the southwest following sunset.
February 22-28: Spot Mars and Venus rising in the last week of February.

Throughout the entire month, Venus will still be brilliant in the eastern sky before sunrise, but it's gradually sinking lower each day. So, make sure to catch it while you can! Similarly, Mars will be visible in the predawn sky, although it won't be extremely bright yet. However, as the months go by, it will become higher and brighter in the sky.

Observing M81, or "Bode's Galaxy," will be relatively easy from February through May. Located near the Big Dipper, you can spot this distant spiral galaxy with a small telescope or even binoculars.

What's Up for February?

In February 2024, there will be some exciting astronomical events to look forward to. Venus and Mars will make quite the pair, Jupiter and the Moon will be each other's valentine, and observing M81 will provide a unique experience.

Venus will still be a brilliant beacon in the morning sky, rising a couple of hours before the Sun. However, it will gradually disappear into the light of sunrise as the month progresses. On February 6th, you can catch Venus alongside a slim crescent Moon as the sky begins to brighten.

Valentine's Day will bring a special treat for stargazers. Look for the crescent Moon near Jupiter in the southwest following sunset. They will be just a couple of finger widths apart in the sky, making them visible together in most binoculars.

As Venus starts to fade, Mars will make its return to the evening sky. In February, it will be low and not very bright, but you can witness its brightness and early rising in the upcoming months. Keep an eye out for a close approach of Mars and Venus during the last week of February if you have an unobstructed view toward the southeast horizon.

February also presents an excellent opportunity to observe M81, a famous "Messier object." This spiral galaxy, slightly smaller than our Milky Way, is one of the brightest galaxies in the night sky. With binoculars or a small telescope, you can see it as a dim patch of light. If you have a 6-inch telescope, you may even be able to spot its bright core, while an 8-inch telescope may reveal its spiral arms.

To locate M81, use the Big Dipper as your guide. Start with the star on the corner called Dubhe and imagine a line twice the distance to the star on the opposite corner, Phecda. Point your telescope or binoculars in that area, and you should be close to M81. You might also notice its faint, fuzzy companion nearby, which is M82, also known as the "Cigar Galaxy."

While M81 is visible all year in the Northern Hemisphere, it will be higher in the northern sky from February through May. Take advantage of this time to observe its beauty.

So, whether you're an amateur astronomer or just curious about the cosmos, don't miss the chance to explore the night sky in February 2024. The universe is waiting to reveal its mysteries to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the highlights of the night sky in February 2024?
A: Some highlights include Venus exiting the morning skies, Mars returning to visibility, the conjunction of the crescent Moon and Jupiter, and the opportunity to observe M81, a distant spiral galaxy.

Q: Can I still see Venus in February 2024?
A: Yes, Venus will still be visible in the eastern sky before sunrise in February 2024. However, it will be sinking lower each day, so make sure to catch it while you can.

Q: Is Mars visible in February 2024?
A: Yes, Mars will be visible in the predawn sky in February 2024. It won't be very bright yet, but it will rise earlier and become brighter in the coming months.

Q: How can I locate M81, also known as "Bode's Galaxy"?
A: To locate M81, you can use the Big Dipper as a guide. Start with the star on the corner called Dubhe and imagine a line twice the distance to the star on the opposite corner, Phecda. Point your telescope or binoculars in that area, and you should be close to M81.

Q: Can I observe M81 with the naked eye?
A: M81 is too dim to see with the naked eye. However, it is visible with binoculars or a small telescope as a dim patch of light. With a 6-inch telescope, you may be able to see its bright core, and an 8-inch telescope may reveal its spiral arms.

Q: Is M81 visible all year round?
A: Yes, M81 is visible all year round in the Northern Hemisphere. However, from February through May, it will be higher in the northern sky during the first half of the night, making it easier to observe. Unfortunately, it is not visible from the Southern Hemisphere.

Q: Are there any other astronomical events to look forward to in February 2024?
A: Yes, February 2024 offers several exciting events, including a close approach of Mars and Venus during the last week of the month. Additionally, you can send your name to the Moon along with NASA's VIPER moon rover. Visit nasa.gov/send-your-name-with-viper for more details.