The Planets

Pre-dawn, at the beginning of the month, Jupiter and Venus form a very pretty pair low in the east. Succeeding mornings Jupiter climbs higher as Venus slowly sinks toward the horizon.
Saturn is low in the west at sunrise.
Mars is in the SE at sunset.

The Moon

New Moon: February 2
First Quarter: February 14
Full Moon: February 21
Last Quarter: February 29

Constellation of the Month: Canis Major

Canis Major is Latin for "the greater dog," and the constellation represents the larger of Orion's two hunting dogs. The main star in Canis Major is Sirius (SEAR-ee-us), the brightest star in the sky. Sirius is nicknamed the "dog star." In summer Sirius is near or behind the sun, and ancient astronomers thought that bright Sirius added to the heat of the sun. This is why hot summer days are called "dog days."

We know now that the stars have no effect on our weather, but the phrase "dog days of summer" has persisted.

How to find Canis Major: Go out at 9:30 p.m. or later and look southeast. The very bright star you see there is Sirius, which forms the dog's eye (some say nose).

Events

• February 1: In the pre-dawn sky, Jupiter is below and right of Venus with 1/2 degree separation.
• February 20: Total lunar eclipse, from 7:45 p.m. to 12:09 a.m. CST. See Saturn close to the moon.
• February 25-27: At sunrise, near the eastern horizon, Mercury is above and left of Venus showing less than a finger's width of separation. You may need binoculars to help see this one.