Eclipse countdown | Moon & Pleiades | Winter stargazing

A week to totality, rare aurora photo and this week's lunar highlights Created for znamenski.spacecom@blogger.com | Web Version   February 23, 2026 FOLLOW US FOLLOW US   Just Look Up! SIGN UP ⋅   SHARE   What's Up This Week? Hello skywatchers! We're closing out February with a week of stunning lunar meetups and a major celestial event is just around the corner. In just one week, a total lunar eclipse will turn the moon blood red, and we've got everything you need to know ahead of time.  Before that, the moon threads its way past the Pleiades, brushes Taurus' horn and joins Jupiter and Gemini's bright twin stars in a series of easy-to-spot evening pairings, no telescopes required! Elsewhere in this issue, we're featuring a rare aurora photographed over Brazil, exploring why some locations on Earth experience far more solar eclipses than others and counting down to next week's total lunar eclipse.  Here's what to watch for in the nights ahead. Clear skies, Daisy Reference Editor, Space.com (Starry Night) Monday, Feb. 23: Half-moon skims the Pleiades The waxing crescent moon shines near the Pleiades star cluster in Taurus. Twilight viewing with binoculars offers the best views. (Starry Night) Tuesday, Feb. 24: First quarter moon The moon reaches its first quarter phase at 7:28 a.m. EST (1218 GMT). The evenings surrounding this phase provide crisp views of craters and mountain ranges along the terminator. (Starry Night) Wednesday, Feb. 25: Moon near Taurus' horn The slightly gibbous moon glows near Elnath, the bright star marking Taurus' northern horn. In some regions, the moon will briefly occult the star. (Starry Night) Thursday, Feb. 26: Moon joins Jupiter in Gemini Look east at dusk for Jupiter shining below the waxing gibbous moon. You should also be able to spot Gemini's twins stars Castor and Pollux complete the scene. (Starry Night) Saturday, Feb. 28: Moon near the Beehive The bright gibbous moon rises near the Beehive Cluster in Cancer. Use binoculars and block the moon just outside the field of view to better see the scattered "bees".  Moon Calendar Notable moon phase this week: First quarter moon The first quarter moon brings half-lit views and dramatic shadow contrasts across the lunar surface. It's one of my favorite phases as it's perfect for exploring craters, ridges and maria boundaries with binoculars or a small telescope during early evening hours. Want to explore more? Check out our ultimate guide to observing the moon for tips and tools to get the most out of each phase. Read More In The News NASA launches twin rocket missions from Alaska to study mysterious black auroras NASA launched two rockets from Alaska this week to learn more about the electrical "circuitry" within auroras. Read More Lunar Eclipse 1 week until a breathtaking blood moon rises over the US during total lunar eclipse 2026 The total lunar eclipse occurs around the March full moon phase, as the sun, Earth and lunar disk align. Read More Northern Lights Forecast Aurora forecast Feb. 23 - Northern lights could intensify tonight as geomagnetic storms develop The latest aurora forecast for tonight help you make sure you're in the right place at the right time to see the northern lights. Read More Your Amazing Astrophotos Photographer captures rare aurora over Brazil during intense geomagnetic storm (photo) On Jan. 19, a powerful geomagnetic storm pushed auroral activity far beyond its usual range, allowing this exceptional sighting over Brazil. Read More Constellation spotlight: (VW Pics/Getty Images) Orion the Hunter Few constellations are as easy to recognize as Orion the Hunter, now shining high in the southern sky after dusk. Look for the three bright stars of Orion's Belt in a neat row. They point downward to the glowing Orion Nebula and upward to the reddish Betelgeuse and brilliant Rigel stars. Astronomy Kit and Accessories Best premium skywatching gear you should consider in 2026 This premium stargazing kit will help you take your stargazing experience to the next level. Read More Best star projectors for kids: Night-lights and ambient toys to soothe young space fans Here are the best star projectors to enjoy a night-sky experience from the comfort of your couch. The prices are often reduced, so keep your eyes open. Read More Stay up-to-date on all things space science, news, and entertainment by subscribing to our newsletters. Sign Up   Follow Night Sky This Week Contact Us: Feedback | Advertise Sign Up | Update Profile | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Terms and Conditions Future US LLC © Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036.