What's Up: February 2026 Skywatching Tips From NASA

Why It Matters

By linking the Artemis lunar return to an accessible night‑sky event, NASA cultivates public support and inspires the next generation of scientists, while the planetary alignment offers a rare educational opportunity for skywatchers worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Artemis II will orbit Moon, first crewed flight since 1972
• Orion constellation peaks in February, Betelgeuse highlights hunter’s shoulder
• Planetary alignment: Saturn, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter visible after sunset
• Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or telescope to observe
• February moon phases guide optimal stargazing nights for enthusiasts

Summary

NASA’s February “What’s Up” briefing highlights three sky‑watching themes: the upcoming Artemis II crewed lunar flyby, the prime visibility of the Orion constellation, and a planetary parade that will light up the evening sky.

Artemis II is slated for a February launch window, marking the first human‑occupied mission beyond low‑Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972 and a stepping stone to Artemis III’s lunar landing. Orion’s belt and its bright shoulder star Betelgeuse dominate the southern winter sky from dusk through night, while Saturn sinks toward the horizon as Venus, Mercury and Jupiter rise, creating a near‑alignment that peaks toward month‑end.

As NASA JPL’s Chelsea Gohd notes, “look up to the Moon shining bright; there might be somebody looking back.” Observers can also spot Uranus and Neptune with modest binoculars or a small telescope, adding depth to the celestial showcase.

The briefing turns abstract space policy into a tangible experience, encouraging amateur astronomers to engage with the Artemis program and reinforcing public enthusiasm for future lunar exploration and STEM education.

Original Description

What are some skywatching highlights in February 2026?

Jupiter is at its biggest and brightest all year, the Moon and Saturn pair up, and the Beehive Cluster buzzes into view.

0:00 Intro

0:14 Artemis II launch window opens

0:45 Orion the Hunter

1:23 A planetary parade

2:05 February Moon phases

Additional information about topics covered in this episode of What's Up, along with still images from the video, and the video transcript, are available at https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/whats-up.

— Additional Resources —

Find events and clubs: NASA's Night Sky Network (https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/night-sky-network/)

Skywatching resources from NASA

(https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching)

Image used for thumbnail: cafuego via Flickr