February new moon 2025: The young moon occults Mercury and passes by Venus

Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope on a white background

The moon enters its new phase for February 2025 tonight, leaving the skies nice and dark for observing the many bright planets currently visible in the night sky. The new moon occurs Feb. 27, at 7:45 p.m. EST (0045 GMT Feb. 28), in New York, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory. Tomorrow (Feb. 28), the … Read more

Exploring Venus may require exotic tech like balloons and ‘aerobots’

an orb streaked with yellows and browns

Despite being a hellish world, the hot, cloud-enveloped world Venus is a tantalizing target for scientists eager to learn more about its history, evolution and present state. At the forefront of tackling what that puzzling place can teach us is the Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VExAG), a community-based forum to help NASA shape and advance … Read more

How to see Venus snuggle up to a thin crescent moon tonight

To date it has been a superb winter for viewing the queen of the planets, Venus. February marks the pinnacle of the evening visibility of Venus as it stands like a sequined showgirl nearly halfway up in the western sky at sunset. Currently shining at its greatest brilliance for this current apparition, this dazzling evening … Read more