A ‘parade of planets’ in NYC’s night skies for February
- This February is offering a celestial spectacle that won't disappoint.
- "Get outside at sunset and look up," urges Jackie Faherty, astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History.
- First, spot Mercury, the innermost planet, Huddled close to the sun.
Stargazers’ Delight: February’s Parade of Planets
Mark your calendars, sky-watchers. This February is offering a celestial spectacle that won’t disappoint. For the entire month, every planet in our solar system will be visible in the night sky, aítěz-tion astronomy enthusiasts call the "parade of planets."
"Get outside at sunset and look up," urges Jackie Faherty, astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History. "The planets will march across your sky, one by one." Here’s how to catch the show:
The Order of Appearance
After the sun dips below the horizon, turn westward. First, spot Mercury, the innermost planet, Huddled close to the sun. Next, look for Saturn, our sixth planet from the sun. Then, with a keen eye or binoculars, you might catch Neptune, Uranus, Venus, Jupiter, and finally, Mars. Remember, planet-setting times vary each day, so check the Old Farmer’s Almanac calculator for precise timings.
Brightest of the Bunch
Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are the easiest to see, according to Faherty. Venus, in particular, will shine brighter than ever this month. New Yorkers can also keep an eye out when these planets are near the moon. On February 1, Venus will appear just above the crescent moon. A few days later, on the third, Neptune will be under Venus’s glow. And on the ninth, Mars will join the lunar showcase.
Other Stellar Sights
As you scan the heavens, don’t miss Orion the Hunter, the season’s dominant constellation. Orion’s upper left shoulder, marked by the star Betelgeuse, is a red supergiant — 700 times larger and 100,000 times brighter than our sun. Spoiler alert: it could go nova within the next 200 years.
On February 6, look for the star cluster Pleiades, a group of more than 1,000 stars that’s easy to spot next to Orion. Just follow the line of stars in Orion’s belt to the hunter’s bow, and there it is, shimmering like a handful of blue diamonds.
Don’t Miss the Full Moon
Though February’s full moon, known as the Snow Moon or Native American’s "Hungry Moon," might hinder planet viewing on February 12, it offers a chance to observe the moon’s dance among the stars. Start looking for it around sunset, and track its movement over a few hours.
For the best planetary views, mark your calendar for the beginning or end of the month, avoiding full moon’s glare. And if you’re craving company or expert advice, consider joining the Amateur Astronomers Association for their telescope viewing events at Fort Greene, Floyd Bennett Field, or Queensborough Community College during the first week of February.
So, get ready to be wowed by the February night sky. It’s not every month we get a parade of planets!