From a once-in-a-lifetime comet to one of the full moons of the year - here are some things to look out for in the sky this month.

The moon

Phases for February are as follows:

  • Snow Moon - February 5
  • This moon gets its name from the typical snowfall in North America at this time of year. Other common names are the Storm Moon and the Hunger Moon.
  • Last quarter - February 13
  • New moon - February 20
  • First quarter - February 27

Eastern Daily Press: Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) had an orbit of 50,000 yearsComet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) had an orbit of 50,000 years (Image: NASA)

The planets and stars

The moon's youngest crater, Mare Oriantale, will be visible between February 13 and 17. Craters are caused by impact from a smaller celestial object.

Two-star clusters can be spotted in the Taurus constellation. The Pleaides and Hyades cluster are best seen through binoculars

There will also be several conjunctions, where planets have close encounters. First between Venus and Neptune on February 15, Venus, Jupiter and the moon on February 22, Mars and the moon on February 27 and Jupiter and Venus on February 28.

Comets

C/2022 E3 (ZTF) has moved into the inner solar system and will be closest to Earth this Wednesday, February 1, reducing in visibility through the month.

It has an orbit of 50,000 years, meaning it was last seen by Neanderthals in the Stone Age.

Observers are advised to head out after midnight and use binoculars or a small telescope.