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 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 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 13: February Morning Crescent Moon and Evening Mercury Near Greatest Elongation
February 13, 2026: Before sunrise, a thin crescent moon appears low in the southeast near Sagittarius. After sunset, Mercury nears greatest elongation while Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus shape the evening sky.
2026, February 14: Sky Almanac: Moon Near New Phase, Mercury Bright After Sunset, Jupiter Dominates the Night
February 14, 2026: This sky almanac highlights the waning crescent moon, Mercury’s best evening visibility, Jupiter shining high after sunset, and where to find Saturn and Uranus.
2026, February 15: Mercury Near Greatest Elongation, Jupiter Bright After Sunset
February 15, 2026: Mercury nears greatest elongation and is best seen after sunset, while Jupiter shines bright in the eastern sky and Saturn fades into twilight. Learn what is visible in the evening sky.
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LATEST ARTICLES
- 2026, February 21: Waxing Crescent Moon, Mercury Fades, Jupiter Dominates
February 21, 2026: A detailed evening sky almanac describing the waxing crescent Moon, earthshine, fading Mercury, emerging Venus, dominant Jupiter, and binocular views of Uranus. - 2026, February 19-20: The moon waxes and appears higher in the western sky each night.
February 19-21, 2026: The waxing crescent moon appears higher and brighter each evening. Learn when and where to look after sunset and how the moon’s eastward motion shapes its appearance. - 2026, February 19: Mercury at Greatest Elongation After Sunset With Saturn and the Crescent Moon
February 19, 2026: Mercury reaches its farthest apparent distance from the sun this evening, setting well after sunset as Saturn and a thin crescent Moon linger in evening twilight. - 2026, February 18: Moon Occults Mercury and Evening Planets
February 18, 2026: Mercury is occulted by a thin crescent moon across parts of North America, Mexico, and Central America. Learn where and when to see the event, along with Saturn and Jupiter in the evening sky. - 2026, February 17: New Moon, Lunar New Year, and Evening Planets
February 17, 2026: A New moon marks Lunar New Year and the start of Ramadan as Mercury nears greatest elongation. Find Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, and Uranus in the February evening sky.