Watch Mars making comeback in predawn sky and more celestial events in February

February offers a variety of celestial events that enthusiasts can look forward to. These include Mars' comeback in the predawn sky, Jupiter and Moon's pairing and M81 or Bode's Galaxy, among others.

Just as Mars returns to visibility Venus will be gradually exiting the morning skies. Mars or the Red Planet left the evening sky last September and now it is making a comeback. Those with an unobstructed view toward the southeast horizon can look for a close approach of Mars and Venus as the pair are rising during the last week of February.

On February 6, you will see Venus together with a slim crescent Moon in the east, just as the sky starts to brighten in the morning sky. On February 14, the crescent Moon will come very close to Jupiter, high in the southwest following sunset.

From about February through May, you will find the spiral galaxy M81 high in the northern sky in the first half of the night. Located about 11.8 million light years away from Earth, M81 is a bit too dim to see with the unaided eye, but it's visible with binoculars or a small telescope.

You can locate the M81 galaxy with the help of the Big Dipper (or the Plough). Starting with the star on the end corner, called Dubhe, imagine a line twice the distance from the star on the opposite corner of the Dipper, Phecda. Point your telescope or binoculars in that area and you will be pretty close to the galaxy.

What's up, February stargazers!This month, Venus begins its exit from the morning sky – and Mars makes its comeback. Plus, now through May is a good time to observe spiral galaxy M81 with binoculars or a small telescope.✨ More skywatching tips: https://t.co/uJEdCvfg1J pic.twitter.com/k8yDsXn3Da

— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) February 1, 2024