What’s Up in the Sky – February, 2017
There’s Much to See When the Sky Clears
February usually does not lend itself to stargazing for several reasons – bad weather, cold nights, and bad weather. It is unfortunate because on clear nights there is quite a bit to see.
You probably have noticed the bright object in the southwest after sunset, and I’m sure regular readers know that it is the planet Venus. And if it is clear tonight you may spot a lovely crescent Moon just to its left. Both objects provide some good viewing during the first half of the month.
On February 3rd Venus reaches its highest point in the sky at sunset, and it will be at its brightest on the 16th. In fact, Venus is so bright it could be visible in the daytime in a very clear sky. Try looking due south about halfway between the horizon and the zenith (directly overhead) around 3:30 p.m. Stand in the shadow of a tree or building and use binoculars at first to locate it, then make a naked eye attempt. It’s a long shot, but I’m sure it would be something you’ve never seen before. It will continue to dominate the southwest sky in the early evening throughout the month.
A more challenging object to observe is the planet Mars, located about five degrees (the width of three fingers held at arm’s length) to the upper left of Venus. You will need binoculars to see it, however, but the Moon might help you find it tonight as it will form a small isosceles triangle the the two planets, with Mars at the top of the triangle. Look around 7:00 p.m. when they are still relatively high above the horizon.
February is also one of the best times of the year, weather notwithstanding, for constellations as well. With two dogs to his left, a rabbit at his feet, and a bull to his right Orion dominates the southern sky for most of the month and is always a favorite for young and old alike. Follow the line formed by the three belt stars down and to the left to Sirius, in the constellation Canis Major and the top two stars left to Procyon in Canis Minor. These are Orion’s two hunting dogs. Hiding safely under his feet is Lupus, the Rabbit, but it is very dim and difficult to see.
Returning to Orion, follow a line from Rigel, lower right, to Betelgeuse, upper left, (his two brightest stars) to the Gemini twins, Castor and Pollux, then continue clockwise to Auriga, the Charioteer, with the bright star Capella and Taurus, the Bull, where you can spot the Pleiades cluster farther west. Also look for the V-shaped cluster of stars, the brightest of which is Aldebaran, the “Eye of the Bull”. Six of these bright stars, Rigel Aldebaran, Capella, Pollux, Procyon and Sirius form the “Winter Hexagon”, a lovely winter sight up in the sky.
This month in history:
Feb. 1: Shuttle Columbia breaks apart during reentry killing all 7 astronauts – 2003
Feb. 6: Alan Shepard hits first golf balls on the Moon – 1971
Feb. 15: Galileo Galilei born – 1564
Feb. 18: Pluto discovered – 1930
Feb. 20: John Glenn is first American to orbit Earth – 1962
Feb. 23: Light from supernova 1987a reaches Earth – 1987
