 | | Created for znamenski.spacecom@blogger.com | Web Version | | | |  The night sky this week is filled with a star-studded line-up of skywatching events, featuring lunar milestones and prime time nebula viewing conditions. Things kick off on Feb. 9 with the half-lit moon reaching its third quarter phase among the stars of the constellation Libra, before falling into the clutches of Scorpius on the following nights as it tracks a path beyond the red star Antares. This week's moonless evening skies present a perfect opportunity to explore the wonders of the Orion Nebula as it glows softly among the multicolored stars of Orion, with Sirius below and the steady light of Jupiter shining to its upper left. In this issue we'll also include the latest on the aurora forecast and what to look out for during the next major moon phase. We'll also point you towards the latest info on the upcoming annular solar eclipse on Feb. 17, take a deep dive into the constellation Orion and gaze at a stunning portrait of the "Flaming Star Nebula". Here's what to watch for this week. Clear skies, Anthony Wood Skywatching Writer, Space.com | |  | | (Starry Night/Chris Vaughan) | February's moon reaches its third quarter phase on Feb. 9, when the entire left side of its disk will appear lit by direct sunlight, while its right is veiled in impenetrable shadow. It's a perfect opportunity to grab your telescope and examine a string of enormous craters scarring the lunar surface close to the line separating night from day, known as the terminator. | |  | | (Starry Night/Chris Vaughan) | Look to the southern sky in the predawn hours of Feb. 10 to see the thick lunar crescent shine close to the stars representing the claws of the giant scorpion depicted in the constellation Scorpius. The red light of the supergiant star Antares will be visible twinkling to the left of the lunar disk, having traveled some 550 light-years to reach your eyes. | |  | | (Starry Night/Chris Vaughan) | Find the bright glow of the Orion Nebula — an enormous star-forming region 1,500 light-years from Earth — shining above the southeastern horizon at sunset in February, below the three stars of the famous Orion's Belt asterism. It's one of the closest large-scale stellar nurseries to the sun, where generations of energetic young stars are born, to later drift throughout the Orion spiral arm of the Milky Way. | | | This month's third quarter moon phase will occur at 7:43 a.m. EST (1243 GMT) on Feb. 9, when the moon's left side will appear fully lit by the sun, with its right half hidden in shadow. It's a great time to explore the vast lunar seas of Mare Imbrium (the Sea of Showers), Mare Procellarum (the Ocean of Storms) and others that scar the western region of the lunar disk, which were created when ancient lava flows hardened to repave the moon billions of years ago. A wealth of impressive craters are also thrown into relief close to the terminator, with their illuminated rims and shadowed basins making for a spectacular sight through a modest backyard telescope. Want to know more? Then be sure to read our ultimate guide to observing the moon for tips on how to get the most out of each lunar phase. | | | | The Orion constellation is home to some of the most luminous stars in our Milky Way galaxy. | | | | The next solar eclipse will be on Feb. 17, 2026. Here's what you need to know. | | | | 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. | | | Astrophotographer Greg Meyer captured a breathtaking view of the "Flaming Star Nebula" as it appeared to burn in deep space. The fiery scene took just under 21 hours to image and reveals staggering detail in the glowing, ionized cosmic clouds surrounding the runaway star AE Aurigae in the constellation Auriga, the Charioteer. | | | | Astronomy Kit and Accessories | | | The best telescopes for kids will impress young stargazers and allow older kids a chance at improving their astronomy skills, from budget models to more premium smart telescopes. | | | We've scoped out the best telescope deals available this year featuring top models from reputable retailers. | | | | 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. | | | | |
