PAGASA: Winter Triangle visible in February

The Winter Triangle, the famous equilateral triangle in the sky, as well as the planets Venue, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus, will be visible to stargazers in February, state astronomers said on Tuesday. However, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in its astronomical diary, said the planets Mars, Neptune and Mercury will be difficult to observe during the month. “The famous equilateral triangle in the sky, known as the Winter Triangle will be visible throughout the night of February," PAGASA officer-in-charge Graciano Yumul Jr. said. "The Triangle is composed of Betelgeuse, the super giant red star and the prominent star of the famous constellation Orion (the Mighty Hunter), Sirius, the brightest star in the sky of the constellation Canis Major (the Big Dog) and Procyon, the brightest star of the constellation Canis Minor (the Little Dog)," Yumul added. At 5:00 a.m. on February 7, Venus will be easily located in the sky as it shines at magnitude -4.1. It will lie among the background stars of the constellation Sagittarius, the Water-Bearer. It will also be visible in the morning sky throughout the month. At 7:00 p.m also on February 7., Jupiter, and Uranus will be found 30 and 24 degrees above the western horizon. They will be shining at magnitude -2.1 and +5.9, respectively. “Both planets will lie among the background stars of the constellation Pisces, the Fish. Jupiter will be easily located through its brightness, while Uranus will need a star map and a binocular or a modest-sized telescope for proper viewing," PAGASA said. At 11:00 p.m. on February 7, Saturn will be found 15 degrees above the eastern horizon, and will be glowing at magnitudes +0.6. Saturn will be located among the background stars of the constellation Virgo, the Virgin. However, PAGASA said Mars, Neptune and Mercury will be difficult to observe due to their proximity to the Sun throughout the month. – VVP, GMANews.TV