Comet ZTF opens the ball for astronomical observations in February by approaching the Earth. Here are all the must-see phenomena with the naked eye this month.
The astronomical year started well in 2023, with a beautiful green comet, “ZTF”, which became visible to the naked eye at the end of January. A new month of observations begins on February 1, with still opportunities to admire the sky, even without an astronomical instrument (reflecting telescope or telescope).
Here are the dates to note in February 2023 to enjoy the sky with your eyes.
Moon phases
Like every month, you can spot the phases of the Moon. Earth’s natural satellite does not change shape: what we see are different portions of the Moon illuminated by the Sun over time.
- the Sunday February 5, it is the full moon. The face of the star facing the Earth is entirely illuminated by the Sun.
- the monday 13 february, the last quarter Moon is back. The Moon is in western quadrature. More simply: we can see a half-moon.
- the monday 20 february, it is the new moon. It is in conjunction with the Sun, which means we cannot see it in the night sky.
- Finally, the monday 27 february, we find a district, the first one this time. The Moon is in eastern quadrature.
Planets visible to the naked eye
In February 2023, you have to take advantage of Mercury and Saturn at the beginning of the month. Then, the two planets are no longer visible in the sky without an instrument. However, there are still Venus, Mars and Jupiter to satisfy your thirst for observations.
This table indicates at what times you will see the planets and in which constellations to locate them.
| Mercury | Venus | March | Jupiter | Saturn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| From 1 to 5 | 7:50 a.m. – 8:10 a.m. Sagittarius |
5:50 p.m. – 7:20 p.m. Aquarius |
5:50 p.m. – 4 a.m. Bull |
5.50 p.m. – 10 p.m. Pisces |
5:50 p.m. – 6:10 p.m. Capricorn |
| From 6 to 12 | invisible | 6 p.m. – 7:40 p.m. Aquarius |
6 p.m. – 3:40 a.m. Bull |
6 p.m. – 9:40 p.m. Whale |
invisible |
| From 13 to 19 | invisible | 6.20 p.m. – 8 p.m. Aquarius |
6:20 p.m. – 3:30 a.m. Bull |
6:20 p.m. – 9:20 p.m. Whale |
invisible |
| From 20 to 26 | invisible | 6:30 p.m. – 8:20 p.m. Pisces |
6:30 p.m. – 3:10 a.m. Bull |
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Pisces |
invisible |
| From 27 to 28 | invisible | 6:40 p.m. – 8:40 p.m. Pisces |
6:40 p.m. – 3 a.m. Bull |
6:40 p.m. – 8:40 p.m. Pisces |
invisible |
Other astronomical phenomena
There are still other astronomical events that you can enjoy in February 2023 with the naked eye. There will be many of them in the second half of the month.
- the Wednesday, February 1, comet ZTF passes very close to the Earth. It is then about 42 million km from us. Comet ZTF is visible to the naked eye in France; check our map to find it.
- the tuesday 14 februarythe perfect opportunity to observe the zodiacal light around 9 p.m.
- If you have binoculars, and a dark sky, try to see the Orion Nebula the next day, the evening of Wednesday February 15.
- Don’t miss the tuesday 21 februarya thin lunar crescent below Venus.
- The day after, Wednesday February 22, the Moon and Venus are joined by Jupiter. Their meeting forms a beautiful triangle, made up of the three brightest stars in our night sky. Earthshine is also observable.
- Then the Thursday February 23these three stars are still there for a nice alignment.
- the monday 27 februaryadmire Mars alongside the first quarter Moon.
- the tuesday february 28the month ends with a conjunction between Venus and Jupiter.
Now you know where and when to look at the sky to do some astronomy! Good observations.
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