THE 12% ILLUMINATED WAXING CRESCENT MOON, VENUS, SATURN, NEPTUNE AND THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION ALL IN THE SAME AREA OF SKY! 01/02/2025
In the early evening of the first of February 2025, a special meeting between not two, not three, not four, but five celestial treats will be visible! On this evening, the 12% illuminated waxing crescent Moon will join the planets Saturn, Venus and Neptune and all four will be found in the same area of sky.
WHERE AND WHEN TO LOOK
Look towards the Southwest following sunset (after 16:42) and you will be able to spot the beautiful crescent Moon sitting just below the super bright planet Venus. Saturn will be found just below and right of the Moon. Later in the evening, the distant ice giant Neptune can be spotted by telescope users, located just left of the Moon and Venus.
THE ISS JOINS THE PARTY!
Also joining this special lunar and planetary party will be the International Space Station! The ISS will rise above the Western horizon at around 5:36pm. It will begin to ascend travelling towards the South-West where it will reach its highest point in the sky at around 5:40pm located just below the Moon, Saturn, Venus and Neptune. The ISS will then begin to descend travelling towards the South where it will set at 5:44pm.
WHAT ELSE IS IN THE NIGHT SKY THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY?
If you would like to know more about the rest of the celestial treats that can be seen throughout this February, please head to our YouTube channel to watch our Night Sky Guide video for February 2025.
https://youtu.be/5ySCtu-cb4E?si=iimuGtlq8rXnLzWs
CLOSING WORDS
This event will be a great opportunity to observe the planets of our solar system, plus satellites of natural and man-made origins all at the same time. If you can, we recommend heading out this evening to witness this amazing celestial spectacle.
As always, if you head out to enjoy the night sky in the near future, we wish you good luck and clear skies!