J.T. What to Shoot in Carolina’s Skies: February 2025 Edition

Welcome to the February 2025 edition of "What to Shoot in Carolina’s Skies," presented by Juxtaposed Tides and the tireless dedication of countless astronomers over the years. A heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed!

As winter gracefully transitions through its phases, the skies of North Carolina are alive with celestial wonders, providing photographers with an exquisite tapestry of astronomical events just waiting to be captured.

Last month kicked off the new year with a bang that could wake the neighbors! And it is looking like February is going to be a matching month!

This month, we focus in on the enchanting Snow Moon, the exquisite occultation of the Pleiades, and a remarkable planetary gathering, among much more.

Whether you're a snap-happy newbie, a cosmic shutterbug, or just someone who loves staring at the sky and dreaming big like us, February promises a wealth of opportunities to capture the stunning beauty of the cosmos.

Checklist for North Carolina Stargazers 🌌

February 2025 Celestial Events

- February 1  

  ☑ Lunar Occultation of Saturn 🌟

- February 3  

  ☑ Venus and Neptune Conjunction 🌟

- February 5 

  ☑ First Quarter Moon 🌟

- February 6  

  ☑ Occultation of the Pleiades (First Quarter Moon passes in front of the Pleiades star cluster) 🌟

- February 12  

  ☑ Snow Moon (Full Moon) 🌟

- February 27-28  

  ☑ New Moon (Perfect for photographing the Galactic Center)

- Late February  

  ☑ Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter 🌟  

  ☑ Planetary Gathering featuring Saturn, Venus, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury 🌟

Highlights 🌟

Highlighted events are must-see celestial happenings this month! Screenshot this info and use it this month to create your perfect Aperture Abenteuers, and be sure to tag us in your photos!.

Lunar Occultation of Saturn (February 1)

Our journey begins with a captivating event — the lunar occultation of Saturn. As the Moon glides across the sky, it will pass in front of Saturn, temporarily obscuring it from view. For those equipped with telescopes, this event offers a rare glimpse of Saturn’s rings being concealed and revealed. The early evening sky of North Carolina will present this spectacle, marking the start of an exciting month of stargazing.

Jupiter Ends Retrograde Motion (February 4)

Jupiter, the majestic giant of our Solar System, will end its retrograde motion on this day. As Jupiter resumes its direct path, it will become more visible across the night sky, especially in the constellation Taurus. This transition is a prime opportunity for photographers aiming to capture the planet's grandeur and for astronomers eager to observe its evolving position.

Occultation of the Pleiades (February 6)

One of February’s most captivating events is the occultation of the Pleiades. On February 6th, the first quarter moon will pass in front of this iconic star cluster, causing its stars to vanish and reappear as the moon moves across the sky. The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, is a cluster of hot blue stars located in the constellation Taurus, and this rare event offers a unique chance to witness celestial mechanics in action.

Viewing and Photography Tips:  

- Preparation: Use binoculars or a telescope to enhance the viewing experience. This will allow you to observe the individual stars of the Pleiades disappearing and reappearing.

- Camera Setup: Set up your camera with a long lens to capture the event. Utilize a remote shutter release to prevent camera shake during exposures.

- Time-Lapse: Consider creating a time-lapse to document the entire occultation process. This technique can beautifully illustrate the moon’s movement against the backdrop of the star cluster.

Alpha Centaurids Meteor Shower

While primarily visible in the Southern Hemisphere, the Alpha Centaurids can occasionally be spotted in North Carolina. Peaking on February 8, this minor meteor shower provides a chance to see sporadic meteors, especially in the early morning hours. For the best viewing, find a dark location away from city lights and let your camera capture the fleeting beauty of these shooting stars.

The Snow Moon (February 12)

February’s full moon, known as the Snow Moon, will illuminate the Carolina skies on February 12th. This full moon is named for the heavy snowfall typical during this time of year, reflecting the harsh weather conditions faced by early Native American tribes. The Snow Moon offers an ideal opportunity for photographers to capture the moon's brilliance against North Carolina’s winter landscapes. Its luminous presence will light up the sky, providing a perfect backdrop for creative night photography.

Photographic Tips:  

- Equipment: Use a tripod and a telephoto lens to capture the moon’s surface details, including craters and maria. The stability of a tripod will help in taking sharp images at longer focal lengths.

- Composition: Consider framing the moon with silhouettes of North Carolina's iconic pine trees or over coastal landscapes for dramatic effects. The moon’s reflection over water bodies can create serene and magical compositions.

- Timing: Plan your shoot around moonrise or moonset for softer lighting and more vibrant colors in the sky. This timing often results in the moon appearing larger and more colorful due to atmospheric effects.

Venus at Its Brightest (February 16)

Venus reaches its peak brightness on February 16, shining at a magnitude of -4.9. As the brightest object in the night sky after the Moon, Venus will dominate the western sky after sunset. This celestial beacon offers a perfect subject for romantic stargazing sessions, especially around Valentine’s Day, and a dazzling challenge for photographers seeking to capture its brilliance.

Photographing the Galactic Center (February 27-28)

With the new moon on February 27th, the skies will be perfectly dark for astrophotography, presenting an excellent opportunity to photograph the Galactic Center. This region, located in the constellation Sagittarius, is rich with stars, nebulae, and dust clouds, offering a dense and intriguing photographic target.

A dark sky on February 27th reveals the stunning Galactic Center, with the new moon enhancing its brilliance for astrophotographers.

Astrophotography Tips:  

- Lens and Settings: Use a wide-angle lens to capture more of the Milky Way. Set your camera for long exposures (15-30 seconds) and high ISO (1600 or above) to reveal the faint details of the Galactic Center.

- Location: Head to one of North Carolina’s dark sky preserves, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to minimize light pollution and enhance your images.

- Star Tracking: For those with access to star tracking mounts, this equipment can significantly improve the detail and clarity of your images by compensating for the Earth’s rotation.

Planetary Gathering and Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter (Late February)

The end of February brings a remarkable planetary gathering, with Saturn, Venus, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury aligning in the evening sky. The highlight of this alignment is the close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, presenting a brilliant celestial pairing that’s visible to the naked eye. This alignment is a must-see event for astronomers and photographers alike, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture multiple planets in a single frame.

Photographic Opportunities:  

- Wide-Field Imaging: Capture wide-field images of the planetary alignment over North Carolina’s diverse landscapes, such as the Outer Banks or the Blue Ridge Mountains. The contrast between the planets' bright lights and the serene landscape can create stunning compositions.

- Conjunction Details: For the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, use a telephoto lens to frame both planets in a tight shot, showcasing their proximity in the sky. This event is particularly beautiful and can be photographed even in areas with moderate light pollution.

- Twilight Shots: Consider shooting during twilight to capture the planets against a colorful sky. The soft light at dusk can add warmth and depth to your images.

Winter Hexagon and More

February is also a great time to photograph the Winter Hexagon, a prominent asterism featuring Sirius, Procyon, Pollux, Castor, Capella, and Aldebaran. These bright stars offer excellent targets for wide-field astrophotography and serve as a guide to locating other constellations and celestial objects.

Astronomy with Binoculars in February

Binoculars are a versatile tool for exploring the night sky, providing a wide field of view and magnification that reveal details invisible to the naked eye. In February, these tools are particularly useful for:

- Lunar Occultations: Enhance your view of the Moon hiding the Pleiades and Mars.

- Planetary Observations: Observe the phases of Venus and the moons of Jupiter.

- Deep-Sky Objects: Binoculars can reveal star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies, especially during the New Moon.

Star Gazing Tips:  

- Identification: Use a planisphere or star chart to help identify the stars in the Winter Hexagon. Familiarizing yourself with their positions can enhance your stargazing experience.

- Tracking Mounts: Use a star tracker to capture long exposures without star trails, allowing for detailed images of the constellations within the Winter Hexagon. This technique can help bring out the colors and details of these stars.

General Tips for February Stargazing

- Red Light Torches: Use red-light flashlights to preserve your night vision while setting up your equipment or reading star maps.

- Weather Considerations: Check local weather forecasts to plan your stargazing sessions around clear nights. Winter skies often offer more stable atmospheric conditions, resulting in clearer views.

- Dressing Warmly: Winter nights in North Carolina can be chilly. Dress in layers and bring blankets or chairs for comfort during long observation sessions.

Conclusion

If we all thought January was a banger (and it certainly was!), February 2025 offers a wealth of celestial events to inspire your aperture abenteuer spirit and astrophotography in North Carolina. From the mystical Snow Moon to the dynamic planetary gathering, there are endless opportunities to explore and capture the night sky’s beauty. As always, planning is key—check local weather forecasts and light pollution maps to find the best times and locations for shooting, and utilize apps like Sky Tonight and Photopills for precision planning.

Get your gear in gear, bundle up like a burrito, and let the night sky inspire your inner poet!

Follow Juxtaposed Tides for more monthly guides, and may your celestial captures be as limitless as the universe itself. Subscribe to receive next month’s celestial guide directly to your inbox.