The clear, cold nights of February offer excellent stargazing opportunities across Minnesota.
With longer nights and fewer leaves on the trees, astronomy enthusiasts can take full advantage of the dark skies to observe favorites like Orion and the Pleiades star cluster.
One of the most notable sights this month is Jupiter. The largest planet in our solar system shines brightly in the evening sky, outshining even the brightest stars. Locate Jupiter high in the southwestern sky after sunset.
With binoculars or a small telescope, you may be able to spot some of Jupiter’s cloud bands and largest moons.
The constellation Orion is another highlight. Look for the recognizable belt of three stars – Orion’s Belt – rising in the southeast after dusk.
Just south of the belt is Orion’s sword, where you can find the stunning Orion Nebula. Visible with the naked eye as a fuzzy patch, a telescope reveals tendrils of gas and dust where new stars are forming.
The Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters, is easy to spot overhead in the constellation Taurus. Scan the area with binoculars to reveal dozens of stars clustered together. Reflections of blue light give the Pleiades a distinctive glow.