Moon close to the Teapot of Sagittarius
Earlier than daybreak on February 16 and 17, 2023, you’ll be able to spot the skinny waning crescent moon close to the Teapot of Sagittarius the Archer. The Teapot is an asterism, or easy assortment of stars which might be simple to acknowledge. The middle of our Milky Way galaxy lies within the route of the Teapot.
Greater within the sky is the intense, reddish star Antares within the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion. The moon handed Antares just a few mornings earlier. Our pure satellite travels eastward on the ecliptic, or path of the sun, moon and stars. And so, just a few mornings from now, the moon shall be near the sun, reaching new moon phase on February 20.
For the reason that view of the celebs, moon and planets varies by your place on the globe, we propose you attempt Stellarium for a exact star chart in your location.
The Teapot is towards the Milky Way’s middle
Once you’re wanting towards the Teapot, you’re wanting within the route of the Milky Way’s middle. Particularly, the spout factors towards the black hole on the core of our Milky Way galaxy.
On the morning of February 16 and 17 because the Teapot rises, the sky shall be rising lighter, heading towards the breaking daybreak. Due to this fact, it could be laborious to identify the faint river of the Milky Way right now of yr.
August is likely one of the finest months to view the Teapot and Sagittarius. Then, in a darkish sky, you’ll be able to take full benefit of utilizing the Teapot to search out the Milky Way’s middle.
Backside line: Discover the skinny crescent moon close to the Teapot of Sagittarius on the mornings of February 16 and 17, 2023.
For more great observing events in the coming weeks, visit EarthSky’s night sky guide
