Today:
The Full “Snow” Moon rises about 10 minutes past sunset near 5:25 this evening, in the east-northeast, and tracks high across the skies all night long tonight. This Full Moon also goes by the name The Hunger Moon, the Trapper’s Moon, and for the Dakota Sioux, the Tree Popping Moon, as extremely cold nights cause moisture in the trees to expand and “pop”.
Thursday:
As Orion crests across the southern skies, his bright stars demonstrate considerably differences in color. Compare, for example, the star Betelgeuse on the upper left, appearing an orangish color, while on the lower right, Rigel shines a piercing blue. The colors indicate the star’s outer temperature, with red much cooler than the very hot blue.
Friday:
As this Valentine’s Day segues into night, the planet Venus will emerge in the west-southwest, reaching its pinnacle of brilliance for this appearance. Named for the Roman goddess of love, Venus will shine brightly early this evening, but will live up to another of its monikers, The Evening Star, by also setting early, in the west at around 8:45.