Once again we bring you another edition of Marshall's night sky events this week! Welcome, and we hope you find something of interest.
Let's examine the highlights of the night sky this week, February 26 to Mar 3, 2024.
We will list the highlights and discuss a few events. We hope you find this info useful and if you have anything you wish to discuss or add, please hit the "Reply" button below and let us know!
Please note that all images are from Stellarium, the link to the webpage is here: http://stellarium.org/
All other information is freely gathered from various websites, Apps, planetarium software and social media. We would encourage you to download and print your finder charts more specific to your location, the charts included are for basic guidance only and are printed as seen from a southern hemisphere perspective.
Many website like Sky maps.com will allow you to download and print out a free planisphere for each month, link: https://www.skymaps.com/
EVENTS for February 26 to March 3 2024
Feb 25) The Winter Triangle perfectly balances on Sirius in early evening.
Feb 26) For the eagle eyed among you, start to keep a eye out for the zodiacal light as it builds in up to it's peak around the March equinox. The wiki page does a good job explaining what it is and when best to view it, have fun and good luck! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiacal_light
FEB 28) Saturn at solar conjunction.
Feb 28) Mercury at superior solar conjunction.
Mar 3) Moon at last quarter.
Mar 3) Lunar occultation of Antares, this will only be visible in some parts of the world. We have provided the link below to see if you can observe this event along with times etc. https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20240303_16_100
Don't forget to take pictures and tell us all about it! Have fun!
Mar 3) Juno at opposition.
COMETS for February 26 to Mar 3
C/2021 S3 (PANSTARRS)
With a visual magnitude predicted at 8.2, this comet should be visible under good conditions with a telescope and is rather photogenic. Astropotograpers are wanted to photograph and submit the images for scientific use regarding the solar wind.If you can help then the following link has all the info, happy comet hunting! https://petapixel.com/2024/02/21/astrop ... oken-tail/
This comet can be found in the Southern Hemisphere.
12P/Pons-Brooks
This 6th magnitude comet is only visible to the Northern Hemisphere. This comet can be found in the constellation Andromeda.
This comet was first discovered by Jean-Louis Pons on July 12 1812. It has a orbital period of 71.32 years, so check it out while you still can!
144P/Kushida
This 11th magnitude comet is still a good target, it is currently in the constellation Taurus and slowly fading, and will present some amazing photo opportunities! Visible from both hemispheres.
62P/Tsuchinshan.
This 11th magnitude comet is currently in Virgo and fading.
It orbits the sun every 6.2 years with a average distance of 3.4AU, it is currently fading, having already peaked at magnitude 8.6
Have you ever tried for Sirius B?
Sirius A and B are now at their widest apparent separation in their 50-year orbit, 11 arcseconds apart, and will remain so for the next couple years before they start closing up again.
You will require a minimum 8" telescope and excellent conditions.
Good luck everyone!
PLANETS
Jupiter
The King of planets will be visible all this week, get out and enjoy the Galilean moons dance around the giant planet or take in a red spot crossing, plenty to keep you busy here.
Shortly before midnight it starts to dip below the horizon giving you plenty of time to observe it.
This is best to observe with a binoculars or telescope.
Uranus
This planet will also sit above your southern horizon from sunset through to around 1am.
SPACE LAUNCHES Feb 19-25.
March 1) Falcon 9 , Place : LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida Time : 12:04 a.m. EST (0504
International Space Station
We highly recommend using "Spot the station" from NASA to find out when the International Space station will be passing over your location.
This is a fun object to see flying high above, don't forget to bring the family out for this and wave hello to the souls aboard the
LINK: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/
For the HAM radio enthusiasts among you, please keep a eye on the ARISS website for upcoming contacts or SSTV broadcasts for when the International Space Station is within range.
https://www.ariss.org/
AMSAT are another great resource in this regard: https://www.amsat.org/
