In the world of astronomy and stargazing, the second week of February brings forth some spectacular celestial events for enthusiasts to enjoy. One such highlight is the sighting of the crescent moon in the early evening. As the week progresses, you can witness the moon growing night by night as it passes by the majestic planet Jupiter. So, let's delve into the details of what you can expect while gazing at the stars this week.
On Monday, a slim waxing crescent moon, illuminated by a mere 13%, will grace the southwestern sky just after sunset. Positioned slightly higher than the previous night, it will also remain visible for a longer duration. As you observe the moon's delicate shape, take note of the phenomenon known as 'Earthshine.' You may notice a gentle glow on the moon's dark side, caused by sunlight being reflected from Earth's ice-caps and clouds onto its surface. And if you cast your gaze further, you'll find Jupiter shining bright, far above the moon.
As Tuesday unfolds, the waxing crescent moon will increase its illumination to 21% and continue its journey across the southwestern sky. This time, it will appear even higher and grace us with a lengthier display.
Now, let's fast forward to Wednesday, February 14th, where the fascinating celestial dance continues. Look towards the southwestern sky after dark, and you'll witness a 32%-lit waxing crescent moon drawing close to Jupiter, the brightest planet in our night sky. It's a sight worth cherishing and capturing.
That same day, our faithful companion in space, the moon, reaches its First Quarter stage. From our viewpoint on Earth's surface, it appears half-lit. As you glance southward, you'll have the opportunity to admire one of the most exquisite sights in the night sky—the Pleiades open cluster. Often referred to as the 'Seven Sisters' or M45, this stellar group showcases Alcyone, its brightest star, positioned about three degrees to the right of the moon. The Pleiades cluster is truly a captivating vision.
Pause for a moment and ask yourself, have you ever spotted the International Space Station (ISS) as it glides overhead? The ISS orbits our planet every 90 minutes, traversing faster than a speeding bullet. Yet, locating it can be a delightful and straightforward experience if you know how.
Introducing Spot the Station, NASA's newest app for iOS and Android smartphones. This app presents a 3-D representation of Earth, showcasing the current path of the ISS and your precise location on our planet. The top of the screen offers two valuable boxes—one informing you of the date and time of the next ISS sighting from your specific location, and the other providing a countdown in days, hours, minutes, and seconds. Keep in mind that the ISS is primarily visible around sunset and sunrise since the sunlight reflects off its solar panels, requiring the sun to be just below the horizon.
While the moon diligently orbits Earth, it remains tidally locked, always displaying the same face towards us. However, this cosmic dance allows for a bit of movement—libration, to be precise. As the moon circumnavigates our planet, it wobbles, unveiling around 59% of its surface over the course of a year. If you're keen to witness this mesmerizing phenomenon, you'll appreciate an animated visualization created by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. This time-lapse for the year 2023 showcases the moon's libration, showcasing its intriguing craters, lava seas, and landing sites of the Apollo missions.
Please note that the times and dates mentioned in this article are specific to mid-northern latitudes. For the most precise and tailored information according to your location, we recommend consulting trusted online planetariums like Stellarium and The Sky Live. They provide detailed data on planet-rise/planet-set times, sunrise/sunset times, and moonrise/moonset times for your specific area.
If you're fascinated by the wonders of the night sky and crave more celestial knowledge, know that we are here to guide you each step of the way. Stay connected and subscribe to our services or explore our main feed for regular updates and enlightening articles. May your skies always be clear, and your eyes wide open to the beauty that lies above. Happy stargazing!
