Star Brightly: 3 Celestial Events to Observe This February

Midwinter provides an ideal opportunity to

stare up at the stars. And with February 2023 comes plenty of unique, eye-catching, and sky-brightening events to warm up even the chilliest nights.

The month begins with the passage of a once-in-a-lifetime comet, followed by a full moon and a radiant row of celestial bodies, all combining for a month of truly special star stuff.

Taking in the evening's nightly showings is a globally accessible and awe-inspiring

activity that serves to cement both the beauty of our planet's—and our own—place in things. While celebrating love and keeping cozy, don't forget to look up for some enhanced (even existential) devotion.

More formally known as Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), this comet—a visitor that has been traveling for tens of thousands of years, is bright green, and is passing the closest to Earth as it has

in 50,000 years—will be at its brightest on the first of the month.

2023's second full moon is, as always, a Snow Moon, the better to embody February's icy temperatures as well as its

typically heavy snowfall. Why not bundle up and enjoy a moonlit walk, along with the annual elements?

The brightest bodies in the sky—namely Jupiter, Venus, and the moon—form a straight line tonight, the moon's crescent phase furthering the spectacle.