In the world of astronomy and stargazing, the second week of February brings forth some spectacular celestial events for enthusiasts to enjoy. One such highlight is the sighting of the crescent moon in the early evening. As the week progresses, you can witness the moon growing night by night as it passes by the majestic planet Jupiter. So, let's delve into the details of what you can expect while gazing at the stars this week.
On Monday, a slim waxing crescent moon, illuminated by a mere 13%, will grace the southwestern sky just after sunset. Positioned slightly higher than the previous night, it will also remain visible for a longer duration. As you observe the moon's delicate shape, take note of the phenomenon known as 'Earthshine.' You may notice a gentle glow on the moon's dark side, caused by sunlight being reflected from Earth's ice-caps and clouds onto its surface. And if you cast your gaze further, you'll find Jupiter shining bright, far above the moon.
