Many astronomical events are going to happen in February, the shortest month of the year. Sky watchers can expect a month filled with spectacular splendor, from meteor showers to a snowy moon.
Here are some astronomical events occurring in the month of February:
α-Centaurid meteor shower on 8 February
The α-Centaurid meteor shower, also known as the Alpha Centaurids meteor shower, continues, having begun on January 28. This meteor shower, which will be active until February 21, will see peak activity around February 8.
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Named after Alpha Centauri, the fourth brightest star in the sky, this astronomical phenomenon can be seen from the southern hemisphere. The meteor shower will be visible in Delhi from around 3:20 am, while maximum activity is expected around 1:00 am on February 9.
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Amavasya on 9th February
On February 9, the Moon will enter its “new” phase. This astronomical phenomenon will not be visible in the night sky because the side facing the Earth will not be illuminated by the Sun. This means that the Moon will not be visible naked. eye. However, the new moon phase is the best time to view other celestial objects in the night sky such as the Milky Way and constellations because light from those distant objects can reach Earth.
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The Moon revolves around the Earth once every four weeks. Therefore, the moon has four phases during this period which include new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter. This monotonous cycle repeats on average once every 29.5 days. During this movement the Moon rotates around 12 degrees in the sky from one night to the next. This causes it to rise and set about an hour later each day.
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Closer approach of Moon and Jupiter on February 15
On February 25, at around 11:35 pm, Jupiter and the Moon will be seen passing near each other. From Earth this crossing will be visible within 3 degrees of the two celestial bodies. This astronomical phenomenon will be visible to the naked eye and can also be seen clearly with a telescope.
The pair will be visible above the south-western horizon from Delhi at 6:24 pm (IST), and will disappear below the horizon by 11:39 pm. According to In the Sky, the two celestial bodies will be above the south-western horizon part of the sky as seen from Delhi.
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Confluence of Venus and Mars on February 22
Venus and Mars, named after the Roman goddess of love and god of war respectively, will come closer at 3.16pm on February 22. In Sky Report. This astronomical phenomenon will be visible to the naked eye and can also be seen clearly with a telescope. However, this astronomical event will not be visible in India.
Snow moon on February 24
The full moon of February is called snow moon. It is named after the abundant snowfall that occurs in the Northern Hemisphere, according to time and date, This month’s full moon will be at its full glory on February 24 at 6:00 am.
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Published: 05 February 2024, 01:44 PM IST
