 | | Created for znamenski.spacecom@blogger.com | Web Version | | | |  February opens with a striking lunar encounter, subtle solar system sights and some of the most recognizable winter star patterns lighting up the evening sky. Watch for the bright moon brushing past Regulus, hunt for the elusive zodiacal light after dusk, and enjoy classic winter stargazing as the Winter Football takes center stage.
This issue also features some spectacular space imagery and big solar news. We're sharing a stunning deep-space photo of the Pelican Nebula, a photo roundup of the best February full moon images and a breaking news story on multiple powerful X-class solar flares unleashed by a prolific sunspot that is currently turning to face Earth. Here's what to watch for in the nights ahead.
Daisy Dobrijevic
Clear skies,
Daisy
Reference Editor, Space.com | |  | | (Starry Night) | A 98%-lit waning gibbous moon shines close to Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo. Observers across parts of eastern North America, the Atlantic and northwestern Africa may see the moon briefly cover the star. | |  | | (Starry Night) | Under dark skies, look west after twilight for the faint wedge of zodiacal light rising along the ecliptic below Saturn. The glow comes from sunlight scattered by dust in the plane of the solar system. | |  | | (Starry Night) | Uranus appears to pause its westward motion in Taurus before resuming its normal eastward drift. The blue-green planet sits a few degrees below the Pleiades and is visible with binoculars. | |  | | (Starry Night) | The waning gibbous moon rises close to Spica, Virgo's brightest star, forming a pretty pairing that climbs higher toward dawn. | |  | | (Starry Night) | Bright stars including Sirius, Rigel, Aldebaran, Capella, Castor, Pollux and Procyon form the huge Winter Football pattern in the southern sky. | | | The moon dominates the night sky early this week, rising after sunset and staying visible all night. While its brightness washes out fainter objects, it's an excellent time to explore large lunar features, spot close star pairing and enjoy wide-field winter constellations before the moonlight fades later in the month. 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. | | | | A rapidly growing sunspot has fired off at least 18 M-class and three X-class flares in just 24 hours, including an intense X8.3 eruption. | | | See beautiful photos of February's full Snow Moon captured worldwide. | | | | 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. | | | | The Pelican Nebula is located in the constellation Cygnus, the swan. | | | | Astronomy Kit and Accessories | | | Here's why a pair of binoculars is your best option for stargazing as a beginner. | | | The iOptron 80mm scope is easy to use and suited to both white-light solar viewing and nighttime observations. | | | | Stay up-to-date on all things space science, news, and entertainment by subscribing to our newsletters. | |  | |  | Follow Night Sky This Week |  |  |  |  | | | | | Future US LLC © | | Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036. | | | | |
