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 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.
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.
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 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.
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LATEST ARTICLES
- 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. - 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 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 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.