Once again the TEAM at
Let's examine the highlights of the night sky this week, February 19-25, 2024.
We will list the highlights and discuss a few events. We hope you find this info useful and if you have anything you wish to discuss or add, please hit the "Reply" button below and let us know!
Please note that all images are from SkySafari, the link to the webpage is here: https://skysafariastronomy.com/
All other information is freely gathered from various websites, Apps, planetarium software and social media. We would encourage you to download and print your finder charts more specific to your location, the charts included are for basic guidance only and are printed as seen from a southern hemisphere perspective.
Many website like Sky maps.com will allow you to download and print out a free planisphere for each month, link: https://www.skymaps.com/
And that's a wrap for this week, clear skies and happy hunting!
EVENTS for February 19-25
Feb 19) Moon near M35
Feb 20) Moon near Castor
Feb 21) Moon near Pollux
Feb 22) Moon near Beehive cluster M44
Feb 22) Conjunction of Venus and Mars.
FEB 24) Full Moon 15:12UT
Feb 24) Moon near Regulus
COMETS for February 19-25
C/2021 S3 (PANSTARRS)
With a visual magnitude predicted at 8.2(currently estimated at 7.5) this comet should be visible under good conditions with a telescope and is rather photogenic.
This comet can be found in the Southern Hemisphere and will be moving through the constellation Ophiuchus this week.
12P/Pons-Brooks
This 8th magnitude comet is only visible to the Northern Hemisphere. This comet can be found in the constellation Lacerta.
This comet was first discovered by Jean-Louis Pons on July 12 1812. It has a orbital period of 71.32 years, so check it out while you still can!
144P/Kushida
This 10th magnitude comet is still a good target, it is currently in the constellation Taurus. it should be seen in most telescopes and will present some amazing photo opportunities! Visible from both hemispheres.
Comet 62P Tsuchinshan.
This 10th magnitude comet is currently in Virgo.
It orbits the sun every 6.2 years with a average distance of 3.4AU, it is currently fading, having already peaked at magnitude 8.6
STARS
This month the constellation Orion is prominent in our night skies with the three famous belt stars, while you are out admiring this constellation take a look at the Monthly challenge and let Alan lead you down the path of
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PLANETS
Jupiter
The King of planets will be visible all this week, get out and enjoy the Galilean moons dance around the giant planet or take in a red spot crossing, plenty to keep you busy here.
Shortly before midnight it starts to dip below the horizon giving you plenty of time to observe it.
This is best to observe with a binoculars or telescope.
Uranus
This planet will also sit above your southern horizon from sunset through to around 1am.
A decent telescope is required.
SPACE LAUNCHES Feb 19-25.
Feb 20) Falcon 9 , SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. time, 3:11 - 5:44 p.m. EST 2011-2244
Feb 21/22) Falcon 9, SLC-4E, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. time, 8:24 p.m. - 12:46 a.m. PST (11:24 p.m. - 3:46 a.m. EST, 0424-0846
International Space Station
We highly recommend using "Spot the station" from NASA to find out when the International Space station will be passing over your location.
This is a fun object to see flying high above, don't forget to bring the family out for this and wave hello to the souls aboard the
LINK: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/
For the HAM radio enthusiasts among you, please keep a eye on the ARISS website for upcoming contacts or SSTV broadcasts for when the International Space Station is within range.
https://www.ariss.org/
AMSAT are another great resource in this regard: https://www.amsat.org/