Skywatchers will get everything they’re looking for – and more – during February 2026. We’ve selected some of the most noteworthy night sky events of the month to take into account.
6 February 2026: opening of the launch window for NASA’s Artemis II moon mission
February’s night sky highlights are starting off with something quite special. 6 February marks the opening of the launch window for NASA’s Artemis II moon mission, characterised by the use of NASA’s most powerful rocket ever and by the fact that humans will travel beyond low Earth orbit for the first time in over 50 years. NASA’s Orion crew spacecraft will be traveling around the moon for 10 days straight, thus effectively preparing for a landing on the lunar surface in mid-2027.
While the mission should depart on 6 February, backup dates have been scheduled in the days after in case of delay, and the launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida can be followed online.
8-9 February 2026: height of the Alpha Centaurids meteor shower
People residing in the Southern Hemisphere – or the southernmost parts of the Northern Hemisphere – will be able to catch an early meteor shower between 30 January and 20 February 2026, peaking on the night of 8 on 9 February. The shower is not the most spectacular one of the year, but up to six meteors an hour can be spotted under dark, clear skies.
17 February 2026: annular solar eclipse
On 17 February, a so-called ring-of-fire annular eclipse will be visible from Earth. This night sky event happens when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, but is situated too far from Earth to cover the entire Sun’s surface.
While only Antarctica and the Southern Indian Ocean will enjoy a full annular solar eclipse this month, those in the southernmost parts of the Southern Hemisphere will be able to capture a partial one.
19 February 2026: Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation
Planet Mercury can seldom be spotted from Earth. Most of the time, it stays too close to the sun, meaning it is lost to the eye. However, on 19 February, the planet will be at its furthest elongation from the sun, making it the perfect time to observe an otherwise very shy planet.
Late February 2026: six planet parade
Speaking of planets: in the days around 28 February, a rare lineup of six of them will be visible across the southwestern evening sky. Sky enthusiasts will be able to spot Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury with the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will require optical aid.
The best time to spot the parade is soon after sunset, but depending on one’s location, the best date to watch the parade may differ slightly. Once the height of the event is over, Mercury and Venus will be the first to disappear from view, followed by Saturn and Neptune, Uranus, and finally Jupiter.
End of February 2026: return of the Milky Way core view
The last noteworthy night sky event of the month will take place more or less at the same time as the six planet parade. The Milky Way season in the Northern Hemisphere lasts from March to October, approximately, meaning that outside that period, its core is hidden below the horizon.
At the end of February, the galactic center gradually starts to reappear in the southeastern horizon, meaning the southernmost parts of the Northern Hemisphere and particularly the regions with the darkest night skies will be able to spot it again in the latest hours of the night. Throughout March, visibility will increase.
Whether looking for meteor showers or planet parades, observing the night sky in all its glory can be considered as a form of art. Not sure how to start? Discover our tips in our ultimate guide to a perfect stargazing experience.
