Adrian Dening's Stars Over Somerset

Thursday, 20 February 2025 17:00

Monday 24th February to Sunday 2nd March 2025

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned the "phases" of Venus that you can see with a telescope. Well the evening of Thursday 27th gives you an opportunity to observe the planet as a thin 15%-lit crescent. Around 7pm, Venus will be easy to spot shining at a very bright magnitude of around -4.8 as it sets below the western horizon.

How about something a little more challenging? The following evening, on Friday 28th, there is the chance to spot a very thin (less than) 1%-lit waxing crescent Moon. At 6pm, the Moon will be just about to disappear below the western horizon. Please be careful though, as this will only be about half an hour after the Sun has set and if you are tempted to use a telescope or binoculars to obtain a better view of the Moon, don't aim in that direction too early and accidentally catch a glimpse of the Sun itself!

If you are in an astronomical mood after finding the Moon, you could then hop in the car and come to the next of my talks and star parties at the Ham Hill Visitor Centre that starts at 7pm on Friday 28th. To reserve places, please contact Lucy who is their Engagement Ranger on 07917 201611.

There a couple of excellent early morning opportunities to spot the International Space Station passing overhead like a bright star that is silently travelling across the sky. Monday 24th at 5.39am and Wednesday 26th at 5.40am. In both cases, the ISS will appear in the west and will be visible for about five minutes before it disappears towards the east.

www.starsoversomerset.com

Screenshots courtesy of Stellarium