On Sunday, February 2, 2025, skywatchers across the United States will be treated to a beautiful celestial display. The Moon, in its Waxing Crescent phase, will make its appearance in the early morning hours and set later in the evening. This phase of the Moon is an excellent opportunity to spot its surface features, with sunlight casting dramatic shadows along the lunar terminator—the line between the light and dark sides of the Moon.
Alongside the Moon, several planets will be visible across the sky. After sunset, Venus, often referred to as the “Evening Star,” will be prominently visible in the western sky. It will shine brightly, offering a stunning view to those looking up in the early evening.
Saturn will also make an appearance, visible in the southwestern sky shortly after sunset. It will gradually set as the night progresses, giving stargazers plenty of time to take in its faint, golden glow.
Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, will rise in the early evening and remain visible throughout the night, setting only in the early morning hours. If you’re up for some pre-dawn stargazing, Mars will also rise in the early morning, joining the planetary lineup in the pre-dawn hours.
While these planets won’t form a perfect alignment, they will be spread across different regions of the sky, providing a unique opportunity to view several of the solar system’s most intriguing worlds all in one night.
For a more detailed view and personalized sky chart, consider using a stargazing app or planetarium software. The alignment may not be perfect, but the variety of planets visible will make for a special viewing experience.
For those interested in learning more about upcoming planetary events, NASA offers detailed sky watching guides and tips for February 2025, helping enthusiasts make the most of the month’s celestial events.
