February may be the shortest month of the year, but it more than makes up for lost time when it comes to cosmic action. From the return of the Milky Way’s bright core to an otherworldly “ring of fire” eclipse, the sky is staging a spectacular lineup this month. You’ll also find a six-planet parade, a close encounter between the moon and Mercury, and the kind of celestial choreography that’s best enjoyed wrapped in a blanket, sipping something warm, and peeking skyward.
We’ve already missed February’s full snow moon on the 1st, but there’s still so much to look forward to. Here are the eight awe-inspiring events still to come and how to catch them.
February: a cosmic month of planets, moons, and more
Alpha Centaurid meteor shower peak, February 8
While not the flashiest meteor shower of the year, the Alpha Centaurids still offer a subtle show for those in the right location. Peaking on February 8, the shower could produce up to six meteors per hour under dark, clear skies. Best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere, skywatchers in southern U.S. states like Texas or California might also glimpse a few streaks after midnight, if conditions are just right.
Look toward the constellation Centaurus, and let your eyes adjust to the dark. You might just catch one of these quiet, sky-skimming gems.
Annular solar eclipse, February 17
Mark your calendars: February 17 brings a rare and haunting sight: a ring-of-fire annular eclipse. Unlike a total solar eclipse, an annular eclipse occurs when the moon is just a little too far from Earth to completely block out the sun. What you’ll witness is a glowing halo of sunlight outlining the moon’s silhouette.
The full effect will be visible in some of the most remote places on Earth like Antarctica and parts of the Southern Indian Ocean. But observers in southern Africa, Chile, Argentina, and Botswana may be able to catch a partial eclipse. Next year’s annular eclipse will be more accessible, passing over wider areas in South America and Africa, so consider this a dramatic sneak peek.
Moon and Mercury dance, February 18
Just after sunset on February 18, look to the west for a delicate pairing. A slender crescent moon, barely a sliver in the twilight, will appear close to Mercury, the smallest and speediest of the planets.
They’ll sit low on the horizon, perfectly framed for binoculars (once the sun is down). Saturn and Venus may also make an appearance nearby, turning this sunset into a quiet planetary gathering worth pausing for.
Mercury at greatest eastern elongation, February 19
Mercury often plays hard to get, hiding in the sun’s glow. But on February 19, it reaches its greatest eastern elongation, which is the point when it appears farthest from the sun in the evening sky. That makes it a prime moment to catch the elusive planet glowing low above the western horizon after sunset.
It’s also just one day after Mercury’s rendezvous with the moon, so if you miss one, you might still catch the other. Watch the skies just after dusk and soak in the moment! You’re seeing a planet that’s usually hidden in plain sight.
Crescent moon meets Saturn, February 19
Also on February 19, just hours after Mercury reaches its widest angle from the sun, the moon will pass near Saturn. The moon, still a thin crescent, will look like a silver smile hanging just above the ringed planet.
Catch this celestial duo glowing together low in the west, within two hours of sunset. Their subtle brightness against the twilight sky makes this pairing feel especially intimate. Plus, Saturn’s soft, golden hue is a joy to spot.
Moon and Pleiades close approach, February 23
The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, are one of the brightest and most beloved star clusters in the night sky. On February 23, they’ll cozy up to the waxing crescent moon in a charming early evening spectacle.
Look high in the southwestern sky after sunset. The moon will drift just beside the cluster, both slowly arcing westward before setting around 2 a.m. If you’re new to stargazing, this is a particularly lovely sight that’s easy to spot, even without a telescope.
Planet parade, late February
Get ready for a show. In the final days of the month, starting around February 20, six planets will appear in the night sky, some visible to the naked eye, others requiring binoculars or a telescope.
Here’s the lineup:
- Venus, Mercury, and Saturn will cluster near the western horizon after sunset (visible for about an hour).
- Jupiter will shine higher in the east.
- Uranus and Neptune, though faint, can be found near Jupiter and Saturn if you have optical help.
This planet parade stretches into early March, but late February offers some of the clearest opportunities to catch multiple planets in a single night. It’s the kind of alignment that fuels both wonder and curiosity, so you won’t want to miss it.
Milky Way core returns, late February
For skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere, the core of our Milky Way galaxy is hidden during the heart of winter. But starting in late February, it begins to peek above the southeastern horizon in the early morning hours, just before dawn.
If you live in or can visit a dark-sky destination like Big Bend National Park in Texas or Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida, this is when the magic returns. The bright, star-dense heart of our galaxy becomes visible once again, starting low, rising higher as spring approaches.
It’s a reminder that even in the chill of winter, new beginnings are always on the way.
Keep your eyes on the sky
From soft moonrises and elegant conjunctions to the fiery drama of an annular eclipse, February 2026 is a month that rewards anyone willing to look up. So grab your coat, step outside, and take in the wonder.
