February 2025 brings exciting moon phases, including the Full Snow Moon on February 12. The moon will also hang close to Venus and visit Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury. Don’t miss the rare 7-planet alignment on February 28 and the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower in the Southern Hemisphere.
In February 2025, the night sky offers a variety of celestial events that are sure to captivate stargazers. One of the most notable events is the Full Snow Moon, which occurs on February 12. This full moon is traditionally associated with heavy snowfall and is often referred to as the “Hungry Moon” due to the harsh winter conditions2.
The moon will also be visible in close proximity to several planets throughout the month. On February 1, it will hang near Venus, Saturn, and Neptune, creating a stunning planetary trio. The delicate crescent moon will serve as a natural guide, leading your eyes across this celestial display1.
Another significant event in February is the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower, which peaks on the night of February 8-9. This minor shower is exclusive to the Southern Hemisphere and may produce up to six meteors per hour. However, the waxing gibbous moon at 84% illumination might make spotting fainter meteors tricky, so a dark sky location is essential2.
The month also features Venus at its greatest brightness on February 16. Known as the “Evening Star,” Venus will shine brightly in the western sky, reaching a magnitude of -4.9. This is a rare opportunity to see Venus at its peak brilliance, making it a must-watch event for astronomers2.
Finally, on February 28, the night sky will host a rare 7-planet alignment, featuring all seven visible planets in a breathtaking arc. This event is a rare cosmic display that will be visible from the western horizon, making it a perfect time to observe the planets Mercury, Saturn, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars2.
Q1: When does the Full Snow Moon occur in February 2025?
A1: The Full Snow Moon occurs on February 12, 2025.
Q2: What planets will the moon be near on February 1, 2025?
A2: The moon will be near Venus, Saturn, and Neptune on February 1, 2025.
Q3: When does the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower peak?
A3: The Alpha Centaurid meteor shower peaks on the night of February 8-9, 2025.
Q4: What is the brightest point of Venus in February 2025?
A4: Venus reaches its brightest point on February 16, 2025, with a magnitude of -4.9.
Q5: What is the rare celestial event on February 28, 2025?
A5: The rare celestial event on February 28, 2025, is a 7-planet alignment featuring all seven visible planets.
February 2025 offers a variety of exciting celestial events, from the Full Snow Moon to the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower and the rare 7-planet alignment. These events provide ample opportunities for stargazers to observe the night sky and appreciate the beauty of our solar system.
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