Astrotourism in Nelson County

Tap into your inner astronomer and admire the breathtaking views of the Dark Skies of Nelson County

Night sky events to see in February, from a ring-of-fire eclipse to a snow moon…

The month is packed with skywatching highlights—including six visible planets, an annular solar eclipse, and the Milky Way’s bright core returning to view in the Northern Hemisphere.

February may have fewer days, but it comes packed with sky-watching opportunities. This month brings a parade of six planets, several close approaches between the moon and our celestial neighbors, and the return of the Milky Way core in the Northern Hemisphere. Add in heightened aurora potential driven by recent solar activity, and February offers plenty of reasons to look up—if you know when and where to watch.

Full snow moon—February 1

February’s full moon, known as a full snow moon, will reach its peak illumination around 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 1. While it isn’t a supermoon, it’s still a striking sight, especially if you watch it rise above the horizon around sunset.

That’s when it looks not only larger, but bright orange. The name “snow moon” reflects the heavy winter snowfall typical of this time of year, a seasonal marker that arrives just ahead of Groundhog Day, on Feb. 2, when Punxsutawney Phil will weigh in on winter’s fate.

Alpha Centaurid meteor shower peaks—February 8

Meteor shower activity is relatively quiet early in the year, but February offers a modest showing with the Alpha Centaurids, which peaks on Feb. 8. This show, which runs from January 31 to February 20, could see up to six meteors per hour under dark, clear skies at peak.

It’s most visible in the Southern Hemisphere, although those in the Northern Hemisphere’s southern reaches, such as Mexico or southern California, may get a glimpse of streaking meteors, too. The show is best enjoyed after midnight local time. Look near the constellation Centaurus.

Annular solar eclipse—February 17

A ring-of-fire annular eclipse will grace some of Earth’s remotest skies on Feb. 17. During this type of solar eclipse, the moon is too far from Earth to cover the entire face of the sun. Instead, it blocks the core of it with the sun’s fiery fringes glowing along its edges.

While the full annular phase will be confined to Antarctica and the Southern Indian Ocean, observers in far southern parts of the Southern Hemisphere—including Argentina, Chile, Botswana, and much of southern Africa—may see a partial eclipse. (Mark your calendars for next February’s annular eclipse, which will be much more visible, crossing over much of South America and Africa.)

Moon-Mercury conjunction—February 18

Just one day after the new moon, a thin crescent—within a binocular view—will appear close to Mercury after sunset on Feb. 18 To see them, find an unobstructed view of the west, as both will appear close to the horizon line. You can spot them for around an hour or two after dusk. Watch for nearby Saturn and Venus while you’re out there. (Be sure the sun has fully set before using binoculars or a telescope to observe Mercury.)

Mercury greatest eastern elongation—February 19

Mercury, often lost in the sun’s glare, reaches its greatest eastern elongation on Feb. 19. This is when the speedy planet is at its furthest point from the sun—making it an especially good time to admire it. Mercury’s greatest elongation strikes at an ideal time, too, with a moon conjunction and a planet parade on the docket for this month. Watch it close above the west horizon after sunset.

Exceptional Orion viewing—All month

Stargazers can admire the Orion constellation from roughly November to March in the northern hemisphere, but January is one of the best months to see the famed hunter. The winter constellation reaches its highest point from January into February, and remains visible nearly all night, from just after sundown into the early morning hours. It’s flanked by Jupiter and the Pleiades star cluster all month, too.

Astronomical League for information and printable handouts useful for everyone from the casual observer to the moradvanced amateur astronomer. They also offer printable handouts fo every month of the year, centered around what’s up in the sky mid-month.

Devils Backbone Dark Skies Camping

We’re excited to help shine a light on the importance of preserving our incredible night skies here in the Blue Ridge 🌌

From now through December 31^st, book any campsite at Devils Backbone Camp with code DARKSKIES and get 20% off your stay*. Whether you’re here to hike, stargaze, or sip a cold one, there’s no better place to enjoy the beauty of Nelson County than right here at Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows. Book your stay now at https://www.dbbrewingcompany.com/camp-at-basecamp and visit the link in our bio to learn more about the Dark Skies initiative. *BLACKOUT DATES AND RESTRICTIONS APPLY.