February evenings continue to showcase Orion at its best.
Betelgeuse and Rigel frame the Hunter, while Orion’s Belt points toward Sirius. Above Orion, Taurus and the Pleiades remain prominent.
To the east, Gemini with Castor and Pollux climbs higher and Auriga with bright Capella dominates overhead.
When it comes to Planets, Jupiter continues to shine brilliantly in Gemini and remains visible most of the night.
Saturn is now low in the west after dusk.
The elusive Mercury becomes an evening object mid-month and is furthest from the Sun’s glare on the 19th, though it will be low and best seen above a low and clear western horizon.
The Snow Moon (full Moon) occurs on 1st February, followed by a new Moon on the 17th, perfect for deep-sky viewing. If using binoculars, you’ll be able to see the Beehive Cluster (M44) in Cancer, especially when the Moon is absent.