February maybe a relatively short month but there is plenty to see in the night sky. The skies were the clearest on February 4, new moon day. The moon was located on the same side of the Earth as the sun and hence was not visible, because there is no moonlight to interfere.
On February 19, the moon will be at its brightest, as it is a Full Moon and a Supermoon too. The moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the sun and fully illuminated. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Snow Moon as the heaviest snows fell at this time. Since hunting was difficult, this moon was also known by some tribes as the Full Hunger Moon. This is the second of three Supermoons of 2019. The moon will be the closest to Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual.
All in a row
In the final week of February, you can see all the five bright planets — any planet in the solar system that is easily visible without an optical aid, and this has been the pattern for many years. The best news is that you don’t have to stay up all night to view them. First, spot the two evening planets — Mercury and Mars — at dusk or early evening; and then spot the three morning planets — Jupiter, Saturn and Venus — before daybreak.
Big and bright
In 2019, Mercury will be visible in the evening sky from February 18 to March 5, and will also be at its brightest phase during this time. Watch it at its greatest eastern elongation on February 27. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point, above the horizon, in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.
Stay alert four days from today to see Mars and Uranus. On February 12, you will have a chance to see Uranus, using Mars as a guiding point to spot it. You will need is a telescope. Look out for Mars and check out the area around the Red Planet to see a pale blue Uranus.
Spot the planets
Venus is always brilliant, and shining with a steady, silvery light. It will be visible in the mornings in the eastern sky from January 1 through June 19. On the night of February 18, look out for Venus and Saturn. You can see them with the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope will improve the experience. You might even notice Venus’ oblong shape or Saturn’s rings as they appear illuminated from Earth’s surface.
