NASA’s skywatching tips for February include a planetary parade and a moon mission

NASA has released its monthly skywatching update, and as always, the cosmos is serving up a dazzling lineup of celestial events. But this time, there’s one showstopper that eclipses everything else: the upcoming Artemis II mission. Set to launch on February 8, this historic mission will mark the first crewed lunar journey in over five decades, reigniting humanity’s quest to explore the Moon and beyond.

The Artemis II mission will send three American astronauts and one Canadian astronaut on a 10-day journey around the Moon. This mission is not just a milestone for NASA but a giant leap for international collaboration in space exploration. As NASA explains in its video update, “This mission will pave the way for Artemis III, which will be the first time we’ve sent humans to the lunar surface since the final Apollo mission, Apollo 17, in 1972.” So, as you gaze up at the Moon this month, remember that there might be someone looking back down at you from the stars.

Of course, space missions are notoriously unpredictable. Technical glitches or unfavorable weather could push the launch to a later date, so keep an eye on Digital Trends for the latest updates. But even if the Artemis II launch doesn’t happen this month, the sky will still be brimming with wonders to behold.

One of the most iconic constellations, Orion, will be prominently visible throughout February. Named after the hunter in Greek mythology, Orion is a favorite among stargazers for its distinctive shape and bright stars. To find it, look toward the southern sky. The constellation’s right shoulder is marked by Betelgeuse, also known as Alpha Orionis, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. If you’re having trouble spotting Orion or Betelgeuse, don’t worry—there are plenty of astronomy apps available for both iOS and Android that can help. These apps use your phone’s camera to identify stars, planets, and constellations, making stargazing easier than ever.

But that’s not all. February is also hosting a planetary parade, a rare and breathtaking alignment of celestial bodies. Saturn will be dropping toward the horizon, while Venus and Mercury will be climbing higher in the sky. These three planets will appear to converge in the west to southwestern sky, creating a stunning visual spectacle. And if you have binoculars or a telescope, you might even catch a glimpse of Uranus in the southern sky and Neptune near Saturn. These distant planets are much fainter, but with the right equipment, they’re well worth the effort to spot.

The planetary parade will be visible after sunset throughout the month, and as February draws to a close, the planets will align in a straight line, offering a perfect photo opportunity for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers alike.

Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a casual observer, February’s skywatching events are not to be missed. From the historic Artemis II mission to the dazzling planetary parade, the cosmos is putting on a show that’s truly out of this world. So grab your telescope, download an astronomy app, and get ready to explore the wonders of the universe from your own backyard.

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