The Night Sky This Week: February 12-18, 2024
As we enter the second week of February, the night sky promises a plethora of celestial wonders for stargazers to marvel at. The highlight of this week’s celestial events is the appearance of the crescent moon in the early evening, gradually growing night by night as it passes by the majestic planet Jupiter.
Monday, February 12: Crescent Moon And ‘Earthshine’
On Monday evening, a slim waxing crescent moon, illuminated by a mere 13%, will grace the southwestern sky just after sunset. Positioned slightly higher than the previous night, it will remain visible for a longer duration. As you gaze upon this ethereal sight, keep an eye out for a phenomenon known as “Earthshine” on the dark side of the crescent moon. This mesmerizing effect occurs when sunlight reflects off Earth’s ice-caps and clouds, casting a soft glow upon the moon’s surface. And if you cast your gaze further upwards, you will spot the magnificent planet Jupiter, shining brightly in all its glory.
Tuesday, February 13: Crescent Moon And ‘Earthshine’
The following evening, a waxing crescent moon, now illuminated by 21%, will grace the southwestern sky once again. Positioned slightly higher than the previous night and lingering in the sky for a bit longer, it offers stargazers another opportunity to witness the captivating beauty of “Earthshine.”
Wednesday, February 14: Crescent Moon And Jupiter
On Wednesday evening, direct your gaze towards the southwest after dark to witness a 32%-lit waxing crescent moon drawing closer to Jupiter, the brightest planet in our night sky. This celestial rendezvous is sure to captivate your imagination and leave you in awe of the vastness of our universe.
Friday, February 16: First Quarter Moon And Pleiades
As we reach Friday, our natural satellite, the moon, reaches its First Quarter stage. From our vantage point on Earth, it appears to be half-lit, offering a breathtaking sight when observed from the surface. Look towards the south to witness this celestial spectacle and immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of the Pleiades open cluster. Commonly referred to as the “Seven Sisters” or M45, this cluster of stars is one of the most enchanting sights in the night sky. Keep an eye out for Alcyone, the brightest star in the Pleiades, positioned approximately three degrees to the right of the moon.
Object Of The Week: International Space Station
Have you ever caught a glimpse of the International Space Station (ISS)? This remarkable feat of human engineering orbits our planet every 90 minutes, traveling at speeds faster than a speeding bullet. Spotting the ISS is now easier than ever, thanks to NASA’s latest app called “Spot The Station.” Available for iOS and Android smartphones, this app provides a 3-D representation of Earth, showcasing the current path of the ISS as it gracefully cuts through the sky. Additionally, it displays your precise location on Earth. At the top of the screen, you’ll find two boxes—one revealing the date of the next sighting from your location, and the other counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until that moment arrives. Keep in mind that the ISS is typically visible only around sunset and sunrise when sunlight reflects off its solar panels, so make sure to time your observation accordingly.
Stargazing Tip Of The Week: The Moon’s Libration
While the moon is tidally locked to Earth, always presenting us with the same face, there is a fascinating phenomenon known as libration. As the moon orbits our planet, it exhibits a slight wobble, allowing us to catch glimpses of approximately 59% of its surface over the course of a year. To witness this captivating dance of the moon, take a moment to watch the time-lapse animation created by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, showcasing the libration, craters, lava seas, and even the landing sites of the Apollo missions.
For the most accurate and location-specific information on celestial events, consult online planetariums such as Stellarium and The Sky Live. These resources provide detailed information on planet-rise/planet-set, sunrise/sunset, and moonrise/moonset times specific to your location.
As an expert on the night sky and the author of “Stargazing In 2024: 50 Easy Things To See In The Night Sky From North America,” I encourage you to subscribe or regularly check my main feed for new articles, ensuring that you stay up to date with the latest sky events and the upcoming total solar eclipse.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes as you embark on your celestial journey this week. May the wonders of the night sky fill you with awe and inspire a sense of wonder for our vast universe.