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The February night sky presents an abundance of spectacles for those who relish observing the cosmos. From the fluctuating phases of the moon to celestial alignments and even a planetary parade, there’s an array of phenomena to behold if you’re aware of the optimal times and locations. We’ve assembled a straightforward schedule of this month’s noteworthy occurrences, enabling you to orchestrate your stargazing outings without overlooking anything.
We’ve additionally supplied product endorsements for each occurrence — be it with binoculars, a telescope, or your imaging device. Pairing the appropriate equipment with each event can create a remarkable distinction, aiding you in perceiving minutiae that might otherwise be missed. With thoughtful preparation, exploring the night sky becomes significantly more manageable.
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Feb. 01: Full Snow Moon
The snow moon will illuminate the heavens on Feb. 1.
February commences with the radiant, full Snow Moon. While it presents a striking display to the unaided eye, you can achieve an even more intimate view using binoculars or a telescope, and it also constitutes a prime target for photography.
Optimal viewing is achieved with:
Binoculars: You’ll attain an excellent perspective with a handheld set of 10x42s or 10x50s, but for heightened visual experiences with the foremost stargazing binoculars, consider a tripod-supported pair of 15x70s.
Our pick: Celestron SkyMaster 15×70
Telescope: A sizable configuration is unnecessary to appreciate the full moon — a modest telescope will adequately serve the purpose. A 3- to 5-inch telescope will suffice, with an instrument of 6 inches or greater yielding even richer, more detailed views.
Our pick: Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ
Camera: The lens is paramount in this context — you’ll desire a lengthy telephoto lens capable of zooming in on the lunar surface. Capturing it alongside some form of landmark, such as a mountain or edifice, for perspective, is even more advantageous.
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Our pick: Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM
Our picks
Celestron SkyMaster 15×70 Binoculars
$129.95 $89ViewSee all prices
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ
$259.95 $201.59ViewSee all prices
Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM
$2,049ViewSee all pricesWe scrutinize over 250 million products daily to secure the optimal pricingFeb. 15: Saturn/Neptune conjunction
Employing a telescope will furnish you with the most rewarding perspectives of this Saturn/Neptune conjunction.
Since Neptune is among the more elusive planets to observe, and imperceptible to the unaided eye, a telescope emerges as the quintessential implement in this scenario.
To discern its distinctive azure hue, an aperture of at least 6-8 inches is requisite. Though perceptible with a more diminutive scope, it will likely manifest merely as a grey speck, indistinguishable from other stars. Fortunately, its proximity to the new moon ensures a delightfully dark sky, optimizing your odds of spotting it.
Our pickCelestron NexStar 8SE: at Amazon
Given budgetary considerations, our top selection is the Celestron NexStar 8SE. It secures a preeminent position in our compendium of superior telescopes and garnered a rating of 4.5 stars in our comprehensive Celestron NexStar 8SE evaluation. Realistically, attaining a noteworthy glimpse of Neptune at a considerably more economical price point is improbable.
Though not the most inexpensive, its fabled optical prowess enjoys renown within the telescope community — it’s hailed as “the world’s most cherished telescope.” It embodies a sound investment with enduring utility, and its 8-inch aperture stands ideally suited for observing the more remote planets, Neptune included, in addition to other celestial phenomena transiting the heavens this month.
Feb. 17: New moon
The new moon begets obscured skies and the optimal period for celestial observation.
The new moon engenders the most profound darkness of the month, rendering it the preeminent juncture for expansive deep-sky observation absent the moon’s luminescence.
Proximity to a dark-sky region often permits sighting the Milky Way with the unaided eye, though a telescope or pair of binoculars will showcase the night sky’s preeminent offerings — Andromeda, the Orion Nebula, and dimmer galaxies will present stunning visages. It also marks the consummate occasion to venture out with your astrophotography apparatus, either to capture landscape astrophotos or affix it to your telescope for deep-sky astrophotography.
Optimal viewing is achieved with:
Binoculars: Given that your binoculars feature an objective lens diameter of 42mm or greater, you’ll be equipped to secure exceptional views of the night sky. Aim for a magnification of at least 10x, but consider a more potent pair if you aspire to glimpse Jupiter’s satellites.
Our pick: Celestron Regal ED 10×42
Telescope: Limpid, obscured skies denote the perfect setting to engage a smart telescope. Observational astronomers may favor a more conventional telescope equipped with an eyepiece, but a smart telescope enables capturing images of galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters absent the intricacies of connecting your camera to a telescope.
Our pick: Vaonis Vespera II
Camera: For protracted exposure astrophotography, the week of the new moon constitutes the ideal time, particularly should you aspire to photograph the Milky Way. Provided your camera performs commendably at elevated ISO settings and you employ a wide lens boasting a fast aperture, you’ll secure captivating shots.
Our pick: Nikon Z8
Our picks
Celestron Regal ED 10×42
$379.95 $304.95ViewSee all prices
Vaonis Vespera II
$1,690 $1,590ViewSee all prices
Nikon Z8
$3,349ViewSee all pricesWe scrutinize over 250 million products daily to secure the optimal pricingFeb. 19: Moon/Neptune/Saturn conjunction
The moon is in alignment with Saturn and Neptune on Feb. 19
The delicate crescent Moon aligns with Neptune and Saturn in the early evening of Feb. 19 (around 6-7pm EST; verify the time for your locale).
A telescope is essential to discern any noteworthy detail within the rings or to render Neptune visible at all. As denoted previously, a larger telescope will best serve this purpose.
Our pickCelestron NexStar Evolution 9.25: $2,999 at Amazon
This impressive telescope melds transportability with formidable optics that will captivate both neophytes and seasoned astronomers alike. It boasts a computerized GoTo mount, a 10-hour battery life, and the distinction of being the inaugural Schmidt-Cassegrain equipped with integrated WiFi, affording seamless control from your smartphone or tablet, obviating the need for a cumbersome hand controller.
The 9.25-inch aperture confers considerable visual acuity for perspectives of distant planets and deep sky denizens. Indisputably a worthwhile investment, it will sustain countless nights of celestial observation.
Feb. 19: Moon/