February Stargazing: Top Celestial Highlights

February may be a short month, but it still offers plenty of spectacular sights in the night sky. As winter continues, the long nights provide excellent conditions for stargazing—just wrap up warm and find a dark spot away from city lights!

The Snow Moon

The full moon in February, known as the Snow Moon, will reach its peak on 24th February. Named after the heavy snowfall often seen this time of year, it’s a bright and beautiful sight in the night sky.

Orion and the Winter Constellations

Orion remains a dominant feature in February’s sky, with Orion’s Belt and the bright stars Betelgeuse and Rigel easy to spot. Nearby, you’ll find the Winter Triangle, formed by Sirius, Betelgeuse, and Procyon—one of the easiest star patterns to recognise.

The Pleiades (Seven Sisters) Cluster

This famous open star cluster, located in Taurus, is still high in the sky throughout February. Look westward after sunset to spot this dazzling group of blue stars, best viewed with binoculars.

The Zodiacal Light

Around mid-February, you may catch a glimpse of the Zodiacal Light—a faint, cone-shaped glow rising from the western horizon after sunset. This rare sight is caused by sunlight reflecting off dust particles in space and is best seen from dark-sky locations.

Planets on Display

• Jupiter shines brightly in the evening sky, visible soon after sunset.

• Saturn is setting earlier but can still be spotted low in the west just after sunset.

• Venus continues to be a brilliant morning star, rising before dawn.