Realm of Darkness
An audible read version of this article is available
Published: 28th January 2022
With the days quickly picking up pace, in their attempt at getting longer. And thus the amount of darkness is getting shorter. Then you may be, becoming concerned
Fret not. The nights are still long enough, ensuring the astronomers and astrophotographers have plenty of darkness. To view the heavens in February
Tuesday, 1st February
New Moon
Pinch, punch, first of the month and no return of the Moon
Well, that's not likely to happen. But the first does coincide with the New Moon. So it will be out of the way, tonight
If you’re able to view the night sky after the street lights have turned off. Or are able to visit a location with low artificial light levels. Then it may be an ideal opportunity to view or photograph an object with greater clarity
Wednesday, 2nd February
Comet 19P/Borrelly at Perihelion
Comet 19P/Borrelly reaches perihelion (closest to the Sun) on the second. And with the Moonlight levels still low. It may be an ideal time to try and view
Sunset occurs at around just before 5:00 PM UK, but you will probably want to wait until just before 7:00 PM to ensure it is dark
It will be visible until about 8:00 PM
You will want a pair of
binocularsAffiliate Links
or
Wednesday 16th February
Full Moon
The Full Moon occurs in the middle of the week. So if you're not a fan of the Moon, then this could be ideal
Sometimes referred to as the Snow Moon. Let's hope it doesn't bring any snow with it. Making the skies cloudy, and preventing viewing the rest of the heavens
The Full Moon rises just before five in the evening, UK time. Although it is worthwhile waiting until after 7:00 PM to ensure a good view
You may be able to get an image with your smartphone. However a pair of
binocularsAffiliate Links
or
Saturday 19th February
Viewing M81 - Bode's Galaxy
If you would like to attempt to view a galaxy, then Bode's Galaxy (M81) is well placed to view tonight. As well as being a weekend, hopefully increasing your viewing time
You will need a
telescopeAffiliate Links
to view
It is located near the northern celestial pole, and so will be above the horizon all night, although viewing in a dark location or after the street lights are off, may help
M81 can be found above Ursa Majors head in alignment with its front paw
Planet Spotting
Venus
Venus should be visible for the last couple of hours before sunrise, generally beginning to rise at around 5:00 AM, in a south-easterly direction
Mars
Mars rises a little later than Venus, with about an hours worth of visibility before sunrise. Rising in a similar location to Venus, about an hour later, around 6:00 AM. This may also provide an opportunity to view both our solar neighbours
Jupiter
It may be possible to view Jupiter in the first half of February. However, the lengthening days will mean the later evenings will make it more difficult, especially in the latter half
Uranus
If you would like to attempt to view Uranus, then February may provide an opportunity to view in the evenings. It should be visible in a south-westerly to westerly direction during February
Tag Us
If you manage to take a photo of any of the objects mentioned in this article. Then consider tagging us in any social media posts you make
Associated Podcast / Video
Darkest Hour, Brightest Night also produce a podcast and video. Which gives you an overview of the events due to occur in February 2022
These should be released on the 31st January 2022, and the podcast can be found in the Podcast section or on your podcast app
The video can be found in the video section, or via Odysee or Youtube
Following us on social media will keep you up to date on the events mentioned in this article, and related updates
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Written by: Ben Patmore
Ben Patmore is an amateur astrophotographer
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