Join CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter for the latest updates on intriguing discoveries, scientific breakthroughs, and more. Don’t miss out on this week’s highlights, which include February’s full snow moon and a final opportunity to witness a striking planetary lineup in the night sky before it vanishes from sight.
The peak of the full moon is set for 8:53 a.m. ET on Wednesday, with the luminous sphere appearing at its fullest through Thursday evening, as confirmed by NASA. Named after the heavy snowfall typically seen in February, this moon holds significance for various indigenous tribes as well.
Four planets are currently visible to the naked eye simultaneously post-sunset until mid-February, as noted by NASA. Though observing a couple of planets during this time isn’t uncommon, witnessing the brightness of four or even five planets in the night sky together is a rarer sight.
Venus radiates brightly in the west, while the amber-orange Mars stands out in the eastern sky. Overhead, Jupiter shines brilliantly, while Saturn makes a faint appearance in the western sky within the first hour after sunset.
Looking ahead, Mercury will shine brightly above the horizon as dusk descends in late February.
Additionally, mark your calendars for the upcoming full moons for the rest of the year, along with the solar and lunar eclipses set to occur in 2025.
Stay updated on these celestial wonders with CNN’s Wonder Theory newsletter.
The first total lunar eclipse is set to take place on May 26 and will be visible from parts of Australia, Western Africa, North and South America, and Antarctica. The second total lunar eclipse, on the other hand, will occur between September 7 and September 8 and can be seen from Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, parts of eastern South America, Alaska, and Antarctica. To find out the specific times and locations for viewing these eclipses, visit the Time and Date website.
Additionally, here are the peak dates for the upcoming annual meteor showers, as reported by the American Meteor Society. The schedule includes:
– Lyrids: April 21-22
– Eta Aquariids: May 3-4
– Southern Delta Aquariids: July 29-30
– Alpha Capricornids: July 29-30
– Perseids: August 12-13
– Draconids: October 8-9
– Orionids: October 22-23
– Southern Taurids: November 3-4
– Northern Taurids: November 8-9
– Leonids: November 16-17
– Geminids: December 12-13
– Ursids: December 21-22
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