February Has 8 Night Sky Wonders-Including a 6-Planet Parade, a 'Ring of Fire' Eclipse and a Once-in-decades Moon Mission

"Stargazers looking ahead to February's highlights should make some time to look up not only during the night, but also during the day. In addition to the first solar eclipse of the year and a "planet parade," there's also have a historic crewed mission around the moon and one of your best shots at spotting the usually washed-out Mercury. Southern hemisphere stargazers may be able to spot fireballs from a minor shower early in the month."

"February's full moon, known as the "snow moon," will rise on Feb. 1, casting a bright glow over winter landscapes across the Northern Hemisphere. The moon reaches peak fullness at 5:09 p.m. ET, according to Astronomy.com. The most striking views, however, often come just after moonrise, when it creeps low over the horizon. At that point, a visual phenomenon known as the "moon illusion" can make it appear noticeably larger and brighter, as noted by NASA."

February features notable daytime and nighttime astronomical events for both hemispheres. The Snow Moon peaks on Feb. 1 at 5:09 p.m. ET, with especially striking views just after moonrise when the moon illusion can enlarge its appearance against snowy landscapes. NASA's Artemis II launch window opens Feb. 6, marking the first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit in over 50 years and flying on the most powerful rocket ever. The month also includes the year's first solar eclipse, a planet parade, improved opportunities to spot Mercury, and possible Southern Hemisphere fireballs from a minor shower early in the month.

Read at Travel + Leisure