Bert Stewart – 3RF Educational Specialist

February promises to provide a wonderful variety of events in the heavens above Texas, and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. Many planets are on display during February. Mercury will be at elongation on the seventh day of the month. Meaning, it will be at its greatest angular distance from the Sun relative to Earth. Mercury, the closest planet to our Sun makes a speedy trip around the star every 88 Earth-days. Saturn will grace us with spectacular views since it is at opposition (If you could draw a line from Saturn to the Sun, the line would pass directly through Earth). Saturn will be brilliant in the night’s sky from a measly 762 million miles away. On the night of the 10th, Saturn will rise in the East at sunset and set in the west at dawn. Venus lies in the west just after sunset 135 million miles from earth. Observers may notice that Venus displays phases much the same as the moon. Planetary phases, like lunar phases, are caused by the angle of light from the Sun striking the surface. Those rising in the early morning should step out into the cold to enjoy Jupiter and Mars in the Southeast.

Comet Petriew is returning to the Sun during the first part of February. It can be seen with large telescopes near the constellation Pisces in the western horizon before 8pm. The tail of the comet should be visible since it is nearing the Sun.

Did you know that the tail of a comet always points away from the Sun? That is due to the melting of the ice on the comet by solar radiation. So the tail will actually be in front of the comet once it makes its trip around the Sun and heads back out into space.

If you ever get lost in the Universe and need directions, feel free to contact Three Rivers Foundation (3RF). 3RF works to increase science awareness to students and the general public. If you would like additional information about programs @ Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus, contact: www.3rf.org or call 940-684-1670.