Derekscope

• Telescope 80–100 mm
  Enough to see Ganymede, its shadow, and the GRS, though with limited detail.
  o
• Increase magnification (Telescope)
  Around 120×–180× gives a good balance of detail and stability.
  o
• Wait for steady moments:
  The shadow is easiest to see when the atmosphere briefly calms.
  o
• Look for contrast
  Ganymede’s shadow appears as a small, sharp dark dot on Jupiter’s cloud tops.
  o
• GRS timing
  The Great Red Spot is easiest when it’s near the centre of Jupiter’s disc.
  o

Welcome everyone to visit their exhibition

• Deaf astronomers will be visiting this year’s exhibition, and we’re excited to welcome everyone to visit their AstroFest exhibition.
  o
• Three floors of exhibition space with everything from the latest telescopes and equipment to astronomy books and magazines.
  o
• We look forward to seeing you at the exhibition.
  o
• More information about BDAA events – read more.
  o

• On the night of Monday 2nd thru Tuesday 3rd February 2026, the Full Moon and Regulus will appear in the same line toward the southern sky.
  o
• Around 03:45 / 3.35am on Tuesday 3rd February, the Moon will be directly below Regulus.
  o
• The Moon’s bright disk will form a straight line with Regulus above it, making the star easy to spot despite the glare.
  o

Snow Moon

• It will be in the constellation Cancer and is traditionally called the Snow Moon, reflecting the deep winter season.
  o
• The Moon will be high in the sky by late evening, making it excellent for outreach events or astrophotography.
  o
• Its position in Cancer places it near the Beehive Cluster (Messier 44), which could be a beautiful pairing for binocular or telescope viewing.
  o

• Traditional Full Moon Names and their Meanings
  – Full Moon names reflect seasonal changes and natural rhythms observed by early cultures, particularly those influenced by UK colonial traditions and Native American heritage.
  o
  – Learn more about traditional Full Moon Names and their Meanings ~ Read more.
  o

• The Moon will appear in line with Pollux and Castor, the twin stars of Gemini in an early evening at 17:30 / 5.30pm.
  o
• Best viewing is in the early evening to midnight, when Gemini is high in the southeast sky.
  o

• Your guide to the night sky this month, and a guide for binoculars, and telescope deaf owners, compiled by Derek Rowley.
  o
• Click the blue link below for more information;

oooo
Astronomy Highlights for February 2026

oooo

• At 7:30 pm, Jupiter shines just 4° above the Moon, the two sharing a straight path across the night sky.
  o

Algol Minima

o

• The bright variable star Beta Persei (Algol) will reach its minimum brightness at 01:03 / 1.03 am in the early morning on Friday 30th January and will be visible from the UK.
  o
• Here’s a list of upcoming minimum brightness times for Algol – read more.
  o

• The Moon will reach perigee, its closest point to Earth, at 21:44 / 9.44pm today.
  o
• Already quite large and bright in the constellation Taurus , as it’s approaching full phase and perigee.
  o
  o

• The Moon will occult the Seven Sisters (Pleiades / M45).
  o
• This is a striking event where the Moon passes directly in front of the cluster, causing its stars to disappear one by one behind the lunar limb.
  o
• Disappearances happen at the Moon’s dark limb, making them easier to spot with binoculars or a telescope.
  o