Daily Astronomy Fix

Watch Venus and Jupiter the next few evenings! They'll be closest on Wednesday, March 1st (less than a full moon width apart). Look to the west shortly after sunset and before they set behind the mountains. Graphic credit: SkySafari app

Look to the west at sunset to see the seriously thin waxing crescent Moon below sparkly Venus and Jupiter. The SkySafari app shows Neptune to the right of the Moon, but it’ll be tough to pick out in the midst of the glow of sunset. Graphic credit: SkySafari app

The full Moon is in the mouth of the Lion tonight! Look to the east at sunset and watch our nearest celestial neighbor rise with its feline companion. Graphic credit: Stellarium

Happy Groundhog Day! Today is a cross-quarter day (fun fact — so is Halloween) meaning we’re half way between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. So whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, astronomically speaking, spring is almost here.

The waxing gibbous Moon is meeting up with Mars tonight. The contrast between their colors should be stunning! Fun fact—Mars is about twice the size of the Moon. However, the Moon is only 240,000 miles away (on average) and Mars is 80 million miles away right now, making it look...

The sky will be sparkling tonight at dusk! So much to see…start with Saturn and Venus low near the southwestern horizon. Slide up the ecliptic to spot Jupiter. Continue upward to find the Moon about to cross the meridian (and Uranus if you have binos or a telescope). And, finally...

The waxing crescent Moon is hanging out with Jupiter tonight in the southwestern sky. Should be a pretty pairing! Graphic credit: SkySafari app

Winter can feel like a long season, but not to worry! If you’re an early riser, you’ll spot the Moon next to Antares this morning before dawn. Antares is the heart of the Scorpion, one of summer’s most recognizable constellations. The stars rise 4 minutes earlier every day, so rest...

Our lovely big, blue marble is at its closest point to the Sun this year…a mere 91 million miles away. Happy Perihelion Earthlings! Photo credit: NASA/Terry Virts

Look to the southwest shortly after sunset for some shimmering celestial gifts. The thin crescent Moon is nestled in with brilliant Venus and glittering Mercury. Binoculars will make the sight an extra delight! Graphic credit: Stellarium