As we head into the week that's home to arguably the most romantic day of the year, why not dazzle your sweetheart with some astronomical knowledge as you gaze into the night sky with him or her.
After all, nothing is more attractive than a head full of cosmic facts. OK, that last part was the science geek in me talking. All kidding aside, if you're out early on Valentine's Day look up in the sky during the predawn hours and near sunrise. If you can see the moon, look just below and to the left of it. What appears to be a bright star is, in fact, Jupiter. The planet will sit above and to the right of the brightest star in the constellation of Virgo: Spica. Jupiter is named for the king of the Gods and it'll shine brightly on the God of Love's special day.
If you're going out with your special someone on Valentine's night, look to the western sky around nightfall and you can find Cupid's parents: Venus and Mars.
Venus will be the brighter of the two and Mars will be located just above and to the left of it. If Venus appears to be shining brighter this week, that's because it reaches its greatest illumination at 2 a.m. Friday.
Venus is already the third-brightest celestial body -- only the sun and moon outshine it -- and it'll be a little brighter around the 16th and 17th of this month.
Asteroid hunters will have a chance to catch a glimpse of 14 Irene. The large space rock sits in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It can be found near Leo, just left of the lion's mane. 14 Irene reaches opposition on Saturday meaning it will be at its brightest over the weekend. Despite this fact you'll still need a telescope to see this treat.
The moon will also play a role in the nighttime ballet as it reaches last quarter phase this week on Saturday at 2:33 p.m.
If you look up in the sky Saturday night and viewing conditions are optimal, you'll see the half moon staring down at you as it marches closer to the new moon phase.
Happy hunting!
