Rostov Astrophysicist Forecasts February 2026 Cosmic Events

February 2026 will not be rich in astronomical events, says Nikolai Demin, head of the Gorky Park Observatory in Rostov. However, according to him, several interesting phenomena will still occur.

On February 1, the Moon will pass near the star cluster M44 (the Beehive Cluster), with the distance between them, as Demin specifies, being 1°26«. This can be seen with the naked eye or binoculars in the constellation Cancer.

On February 17, comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) will approach Earth at its closest distance and become visible to observers in the Northern Hemisphere. Its brightness will be about 8th magnitude. The comet will be very low above the southwestern horizon about an hour after sunset. It can be observed with an amateur telescope or powerful field binoculars, the astrophysicist told 161.RU.

On February 19, Mercury will be at its greatest eastern elongation — that is, at the maximum angular distance from the Sun for an Earth observer. These are the best conditions to see the closest planet to the Sun in the Solar System.

On the evening of February 28, six planets will align in a line above the western horizon: Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn, Neptune, Venus, and Mercury. Such events are often called a planetary parade in the media. Four planets — Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter — can be seen with the naked eye. To observe Uranus and Neptune, binoculars or a telescope will be needed.

«The most interesting event of the month — the solar eclipse on February 17 — residents and visitors of the Don region will not be able to observe. This phenomenon will only be noticeable in Antarctica and southern Africa,» added the interlocutor.