Jan. 31: The Unicorn
Monoceros, the unicorn, stands high in the southeast this
evening. Despite its enticing name, it’s not much to look at with
the unaided eye. Seen from a dark viewing site, though, with the
help of binoculars or a telescope, it yields some interesting
sights.
The University of Texas MacDonald Observatory
Jan. 31: The Unicorn
Monoceros, the unicorn, stands high in the southeast this evening. Despite its enticing name, it’s not much to look at with the unaided eye. Seen from a dark viewing site, though, with the help of binoculars or a telescope, it yields some interesting sights.
Feb. 1: Moon and Pegasus
Look for the Great Square of Pegasus to the right of the Moon early this evening. It is a bit larger than your fist held at arm’s length. It stands on one corner now, so it forms a big diamond in the sky.
Feb. 2: Groundhog Day
It’s up to Punxsutawney Phil to tell us if we’re in for six more weeks of winter. Phil is the official groundhog for Groundhog Day. According to folklore, if he sees his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter. If not, then an early spring is on the way.
Feb. 3: Polar Pointers
The Big Dipper stands straight up from the northeastern horizon a couple of hours after sunset tonight, with the bowl above the handle. If you line up the two stars at the top of the bowl, then follow them to the left, you’ll come to Polaris, the north star.
Feb. 4: Moon and Mars
The Moon, Mars and the Pleiades star cluster line up in the west this evening. They’re high in the sky at nightfall, and set well after midnight. Mars looks like a bright orange star that follows the Moon down the sky. The dipper-shaped Pleiades is above Mars.
Feb. 5: Moon and Mars II
The first-quarter Moon has impressive company tonight: Mars and the Pleiades star cluster. They are high overhead at nightfall. Mars looks like a bright orange star. It is below the Moon as they drop toward the western horizon. The Pleiades is just above the Moon.
Feb. 6: Moon and Mars III
The Moon chases the planet Mars across the sky tonight. They are high in the sky at nightfall, almost directly overhead around 8 or 9pm, and set in the wee hours of the morning. Mars looks like a bright orange star to the west of the Moon.
