Sky Events

Look for Sirius, the brightest star in the heavens. Sirius is actually a double star in the constellatin Canis Major (the Big Dog). It's color is bluish-white. To the upper left of Sirius is another bright star, Procyon. Procyon belongs to the constellation Canis Minor, the Lesser Dog. Procyon is a red star. Now, look a bit to the upper right of Sirius and you will find the constellation Orion, the Hunter. Use your star map to trace Orion. On Orion's shoulder, you will find another bright star, Betelgeuse. Betelgeuse, Sirius and Procyon form a star pattern called the Winter Triangle.

Sirius' competition in the evening sky are Venus, Saturn and Jupiter. These planets look like big bright stars. However, the difference is that stars twinkle more. Venus will be brightest in late February. Look for it at the western part of the sky after sunset. On February 25, you will find the Moon to the lower left of Venus.

Jupiter and Saturn make quite a pair on the southern sky this month.This will be the last month for about 20 years that they will fit together in a binocular field so don't miss them!