India, Feb. 2 -- April's total solar eclipse may be topping news headlines, but the months leading up to the hyped event are full of astronomical sightseeing opportunities, too - starting with February. This month, night sky enthusiasts have a host of interstellar attractions to choose from. There's a meteor shower, planet conjunction, and an above-average chance to see the northern or southern lights, not to mention an extra night for stargazing on leap day come February 29.

For North American stargazers and astrophotographers, February also marks the return of the Milky Way core. The bright, dynamic core of our home galaxy is visible in the northern hemisphere from February to October. To see it this month, you'll have to set your alar...