Trace the Origin of Solar Wind and Learn How to Re-energize Some White Dwarfs

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Read news from the world of astronomy for the week of February 14, 2025.

This week in the world of astronomy, learn how neon-22 can re-energize some white dwarfs and trace the source of the solar wind. And enjoy the bright crescent of Venus this Valentine's Day.

New Rover Will Head to the Moon in VIPER's Place

The company Venturi Astrolab will take the slot left vacant on Griffin Mission One, which could head to the Moon later this year.

European Solar Orbiter Traces Origin of Solar Wind

Using the Solar Orbiter, scientists think they’ve pinpointed the locations near the Sun where particles are thrown into the solar wind.

A Rare Kind of White Dwarf Could Foster Habitable Worlds

Extra amounts of an uncommon element — neon-22 — could re-energize some white dwarfs, and potentially make the systems habitable.

Webb Telescope to Weigh in on Impact Odds for Asteroid 2024 YR4

So far, searches for archival images that could confirm or rule out the asteroid’s impact have come up dry.

Observing Highlights

This Week's Sky at a Glance, February 14 – 23

Jupiter remains high overheard this week, toward the south in early evening. It makes a right triangle with Aldebaran and the Pleiades.

See Crescent Venus This Valentine's Day

In a delightful cosmic coincidence, Venus will shine brightest on Valentine's Day.

February Podcast: Planets Amid Winter’s Stars

This month we’ll look for five planets in the evening sky, explore the Moon’s phases, and track down two lesser-known constellations.

Presented by: Celestron.

Online Viewing Session

Enjoy the wonders of the universe as seen through the “eyes” of the KAS Remote Telescope, located under the dark skies of southeastern Arizona. Witness the splendors of deep-sky objects streamed in real time from the CCD cameras in Arizona straight to your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Glenn Schneider, 1955–2025

Astronomy has lost one of its most passionate chasers of total solar eclipses with the passing of astronomer Glenn Schneider.

Sky & Telescope is Proud to Sponsor NEAF

NEAF is an astronomy extravaganza featuring over 100 of your favorite vendors with discounts on merchandise and an incredible lineup of guest speakers. Plus, there'll be activities for the kids as well as music and raffles. If you are attending, please stop by the S&T booth and say hello.