What’s Next to the Moon Tonight? Celestial Events in February 2025

In February 2025, the night sky offers exciting celestial events. The Moon will pass close to several planets, including Venus, Jupiter, and Mars. The Alpha Centaurid meteor shower peaks, and the Full Snow Moon will shine brightly in Leo. A 7-planet alignment is a highlight on February 28.

February 2025 promises to be a thrilling month for stargazers, with a variety of celestial events that will captivate both beginners and seasoned astronomers. One of the most anticipated events is the alignment of seven planets, including Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars, which will occur on February 28. This rare alignment will be visible in the evening sky just after sunset.
Another notable event is the Full Snow Moon, which will occur on February 12. This Full Moon gets its name from the heavy snowfalls typical of February in the Northern Hemisphere. It will appear in the constellation Leo, shining near its brightest star, Regulus.
The month also features the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower, which peaks on February 8. Although not as active as some other meteor showers, the Alpha Centaurids offer a chance to see a few shooting stars in the southern sky.
Additionally, the Moon will pass close to several planets throughout the month. On February 1, the Moon will occult Saturn, and on February 6, it will occult the Pleiades star cluster. On February 9, the Moon will occult Mars, making these events easily visible to the naked eye from anywhere.
For those with binoculars or telescopes, Uranus and Neptune will be visible in the evening and nighttime sky. Uranus can be found near the border of Aries and Taurus, while Neptune is low in the southwestern evening sky in Pisces.

1. What is the 7-planet alignment in February 2025?
The 7-planet alignment includes Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars, which will be visible in the evening sky just after sunset on February 28.

2. When is the Full Snow Moon in February 2025?
The Full Snow Moon will occur on February 12, appearing in the constellation Leo near its brightest star, Regulus.

3. What is the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower?
The Alpha Centaurid meteor shower is a minor meteor shower that peaks on February 8, offering a chance to see a few shooting stars in the southern sky.

4. What planets will the Moon pass close to in February 2025?
The Moon will pass close to Saturn on February 1, the Pleiades star cluster on February 6, and Mars on February 9.

5. How can I observe Uranus and Neptune?
Uranus can be found near the border of Aries and Taurus, while Neptune is low in the southwestern evening sky in Pisces. Both planets are visible with binoculars or a telescope.

February 2025 offers a diverse range of celestial events that cater to both casual stargazers and serious astronomers. From the rare 7-planet alignment to the Full Snow Moon and the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the night sky this month.