February 2025 astronomy events

Alright, astronomers, I know February is *technically* still winter, and if you’re in Missouri or anywhere in the Midwest, you’re probably wondering if the clouds are just a permanent feature now. But if the skies do clear (and let’s hope they do), this month has some astro sights worth pointing your scope, camera, binoculars - or even just your good ol’ Mark I eyeballs at!

Legend has it that Ol’ Jed from the Ozarks once claimed the stars only come out when you whistle the right tune at the Moon. Now, I can’t guarantee that’ll work, but if it does, whistle loud and let the rest of us know - because February’s got some sky-watching gems you won’t want to miss!

One of the most noticeable sights this month will be Venus, which will shine brightly in the western sky after sunset. Known as the “Evening Star,” it will be at its farthest point from the Sun in the sky on February 10, making it a perfect time to observe. Even with binoculars or a small telescope, you’ll be able to see its crescent shape.

February Night Sky - What to see and when

Mars will also be visible in the southwest, though it won’t be as bright as Venus. What makes it interesting this month is its close approach to Jupiter on February 28. This rare conjunction will bring the two planets unusually close together. Through a telescope, you’ll even be able to see Jupiter’s moons, while Mars will stand out with its reddish tint against Jupiter’s bright white glow.

Meanwhile, Saturn will be in the morning sky, rising in the east before sunrise. While not as eye-catching as Venus or Jupiter, its rings always make for a spectacular view. By the middle of the month, Mercury will also make a brief appearance before dawn. It moves fast across the sky, so catching it can be tricky, but those who do will be in for a treat.

February 2025 astronomy events: A meteor shower & lunar eclipse

While it’s not as well-known as the Perseids or Geminids, the Alpha Centaurids meteor shower has been known to produce incredibly bright meteors, sometimes called fireballs. The shower peaks on the night of February 8, with an expected 5-10 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.

The best time to watch is after midnight, when the meteors’ point of origin, located in the Centaurus constellation, is highest in the sky. While the Southern Hemisphere will get the best view, some meteors may still be visible to those in lower parts of the Northern Hemisphere. To improve your chances of seeing them, find a dark spot away from city lights, lie back, and let your eyes adjust to the night sky.

The Alpha Centaurids are known for their fast-moving meteors, some of which leave behind glowing trails. Some may even be as bright as Venus, making for an unforgettable sight. With the Moon setting early on the night of the peak, conditions should be ideal for meteor-watching, if the weather cooperates.

Total Lunar Eclipse: February 22, 2025

The biggest celestial event of the month is the total lunar eclipse on February 22. During this event, Earth will pass directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that turns the Moon a deep, reddish color. This eerie transformation, often called a "Blood Moon," happens because Earth’s atmosphere filters sunlight, bending it around the planet and onto the Moon.

This eclipse will be visible across North and South America, Europe, and Africa, giving millions of people a chance to witness it. The total phase, when the Moon is completely covered in Earth's shadow, will last for about 1 hour and 16 minutes, giving observers plenty of time to take in the sight.

The eclipse will begin with a penumbral phase, where the Moon enters Earth’s outer shadow. This part is subtle and can be hard to notice, but it marks the start of the event. As the Moon moves into the umbra (Earth’s darker inner shadow), the full eclipse begins, turning the Moon a striking red against the night sky.

Nearest neighbors

Constellations and deep-sky objects

February is a great time to spot constellations and deep-space objects. The winter constellations in the Northern Hemisphere are still bright and easy to see. One of the most famous is Orion, the Hunter, which stands out in the night sky. Look for Orion’s Belt, a straight line of three bright stars. This belt points to other interesting sights.

Right below the belt is the Orion Nebula, a massive cloud where new stars are forming. You can see it as a faint smudge with the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope reveal much more detail. If you enjoy astrophotography, this is a great target.

To the northwest of Orion is Taurus, home to the Pleiades star cluster, also called the Seven Sisters. Through binoculars, the Pleiades look like a small, bright group of stars. Many people mistake it for the Little Dipper, but it's actually much smaller.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the constellation Carina is easy to see this month. It contains the Carina Nebula, a huge star-forming region that is just as impressive as the Orion Nebula. This nebula is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere, where it appears high in the sky.

Clown Face Nebula

Astrophotography tips for february

Here are some simple ways to improve your astrophotography this month:

• Photographing Planets: Use a telescope or telephoto lens to capture details like Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings. A tripod is a must for stability, and using a remote shutter or timer will help reduce blur. For Venus, try slightly overexposing your image to highlight its crescent shape.
• Meteor Showers: For the Alpha Centaurids, a wide-angle lens works best to cover more of the sky. Set your camera to a high ISO and use a long exposure to increase your chances of catching meteors. Be patient, they appear randomly.
• Deep-Sky Objects: For nebulae like Orion or star clusters like the Pleiades, use a telescope with a tracking mount to follow the stars' movement. This prevents star trails and allows for longer exposures to bring out faint details. Stacking multiple images will also reduce noise and enhance colors and structure.
   

Messier 50

Observing the Moon and its phases

The Moon is always visible in the night sky, and February 2025 brings plenty of chances to see its changing phases. At the start of the month, it will be in its waning gibbous phase, leading up to the last quarter on February 5. This is a good time to observe how light and shadow interact on the Moon’s surface.

As the month continues, the new moon arrives on February 20, creating dark skies that make it easier to see faint deep-space objects and meteor showers. After this, the waxing crescent will appear in the evening, offering a clear view of the thin, bright curve of the Moon against the fading daylight.

The first quarter moon happens on February 27, making craters and other surface details stand out. The best place to focus on is the terminator, the line between light and dark, where shadows make the landscape look more defined. A telescope or binoculars will reveal even more detail.

February has a lot to offer for skywatchers, planets, meteors, and even a lunar eclipse. Whether you’re using a telescope, binoculars, or just looking up with your own eyes, there’s something worth seeing in the night sky this month.

If you’re lucky enough to get a break in the clouds and capture some good astrophotos this month, be sure to send them our way at ScopeTrader! We love seeing your work and sharing it with other "ScopeTraders!"

Messier 67

What's in the Sky this Month 

What's in the Sky this Month | February 2025 | High Point Scientific