When the Curves Line Up publishes skywatching guides that focus on the moon, planets, and the brightest stars. Each article provides clear timing, angular separations, and directional reference points so observers know where and when to look. The site emphasizes careful description and is written for readers who value observational accuracy.
Late February Planet Parade?
Late in February, the so-called planet parade consists of planets scattered across the sky rather than aligned or grouped in any meaningful way, even though several are visible during the same evening hours. Jupiter and Moon are the clear standouts, shining high and bright after sunset, while other planets require careful timing and unobstructed horizons. Claims of a rare string of planets across the sky exaggerate what observers can actually see. The February 8 Sky Almanac lays out the geometry, visibility limits, and practical expectations for skywatchers at month’s end.
Current Sky Events
2026, February 3: Winter’s Astronomical Midpoint: Jupiter, Saturn, Moon, and Regulus
February 3, 2026: At winter’s midpoint, the gibbous moon moves away from Regulus while Jupiter and Saturn shine during evening hours. Viewing tips and timing.
2026, February 4: Last Call for Neptune: Find the Distant Planet Near Saturn Before Conjunction
February 4, 2026: This is the last call to see Neptune during this evening appearance. Each night it sinks lower toward twilight before solar conjunction. Learn when to look, how to use Saturn as a guide, and why viewing conditions are ending quickly.
2026, February 5: Find Planet Uranus with Taurus
February 5, 2026: With Saturn and Neptune fading into twilight, Uranus is high in the southern sky after evening twilight ends. Use Taurus, the Pleiades, and nearby stars to locate the planet with a binocular. by Jeffrey L. Hunt Chicago, Illinois: Sunrise, 6:59 a.m. CST; Sunset, 5:11 p.m. CST. Times are calculated by the US…
2026, February 6-9: Morning Moon Passes Spica and Libra Before Sunrise
February 6-9, 2026: Watch the morning moon move eastward past Spica and Libra before sunrise. Find daily positions, angular separations, and where to look in the southern sky.
2026, February 7: Jupiter Dominates the Night as the Gibbous Moon Passes Spica
February 7, 2026: Jupiter shines through most of the night while the gibbous moon passes Spica after midnight. Saturn fades into evening twilight as Neptune’s visibility closes.
Subscribe to receive email notices for new articles. (Email addresses are not shared or sold.)
LATEST ARTICLES
- 2026, February 12: Waning Crescent Moon, Mercury Before Elongation, and Jupiter Bright After Sunset
February 12, 2026: Before sunrise, the waning crescent moon displays earthshine near Antares and Sagittarius. After sunset, Mercury climbs from twilight ahead of greatest elongation, Saturn fades, and Jupiter shines near Castor and Pollux. - 2026, February 11: Skywatching: Mercury Near Best Evening Visibility, Jupiter Bright
February 11, 2026: Mercury climbs higher after sunset toward greatest elongation on February 19. Jupiter shines in the east, Saturn fades, and no planet parade appears. - 2026, February 10-13: Morning Crescent Moon Near Scorpius and Sagittarius, Earthshine Before Sunrise
February 10-13: Before sunrise in mid-February, the waning crescent moon moves in front of Scorpius and Sagittarius. Learn when to see earthshine, Antares, and key reference stars in the southeastern sky. - 2026, February 9: Winter Stars Explained: Orion, Sirius, and the Hertzsprung–Russell Diagram
February 9, 2026: Explore winter’s brightest stars with a binocular. Learn how Orion, Sirius, and Betelgeuse reveal stellar temperature, color, and brightness through the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. - 2026, February 8: Sky Almanac: Moon Near Spica, Jupiter Bright, and No Planet Parade
February 8, 2026: Moon nears Spica before sunrise while Jupiter shines after sunset. Despite social media claims, only Venus, Jupiter, and the Moon are visible — not a planet parade.