Sky Excitement for February 2024

February 8– Alpha Centaurid Meteor Shower Peak

The Alpha Centaurid meteor shower, a minor annual celestial event, occurs annually from 28th January to 21st February, reaching its peak around 8th February. Though considered a minor shower with a zenith hourly rate of just six meteors, its occurrence during a new moon phase enhances visibility. Head outside approximately two hours before dawn, focusing your gaze toward the southeast and southwest for a chance to catch these celestial phenomena.

February 20, 18:54 – Pollux 

Pollux, one of the brightest stars in the constellation Gemini, will be situated about 1.6 degrees north of the Moon.

February 24 – Full Moon

The February full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Snow Moon because the heaviest snows usually fell during this time of the year. Since hunting is difficult, this moon was also known by some tribes as the Hunger Moon, since the harsh weather made hunting difficult.