BRENT: Many astronomical events will keep sky-gazers busy in the evenings during February.
Jupiter is the biggest planet of the solar system and is fifth from the sun. Jupiter will shine just opposite the sun on Feb 6, which astronomers call opposition to the sun. The giant planet is the second brightest planet in the night sky just after Venus. However, on Feb. 6, the face of the planet will be entirely illuminated by the sun.
Astronomers suggest that early evening will be the best time to view the planet and its moon on Feb. 6. A medium telescope may also enable viewers to see the cloud bands of the planet. With just a pair of decent binoculars, viewers will also be able to see four of the planet’s many moons. Jupiter comes in the opposition once every 13 months so Feb. 6 will be the only day in this year when Jupiter will be shining bright in the sky.
Venus is the second planet from the Sun and is normally the second brightest object in the night sky after the moon and the brightest planet visible in the night sky. The planet has been named after the Roman goddess of beauty and love and this month, the planet will have a celestial dance with Mars.
Venus will be visible throughout the month. Mars and Venus will be edging closer to each other as days pass by and the conjunction of Venus and Mars will be best visible on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22. Both the bright planets will be visible only within half a degree of each other during the evening sky. It will be the closest pairing of the two planets until October 2017.
Another celestial event of Venus and Mars will occur on Feb. 20 when both the planets will bunch with the crescent moon just after sunset.
On Feb. 18, the New Moon will be straight between the Earth and the sun, but sky gazers will not be able to see the moon on this day. However, astronomers suggest it will be the best time of February to see other objects in the sky such as distant galaxies and star clusters as there will be no moonlight to disturb the viewing.
