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January 2025 Skywatching Tips

January 1, 2025

 

 

January 2025 promises to be an exciting month for skywatchers, with several celestial events that are sure to captivate stargazers around the world. Each evening this month, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a sweeping view of four bright planets at once. In the first couple of hours after dark, you'll find Venus and Saturn in the southwest, Jupiter high overhead, and Mars rising in the east. While Uranus and Neptune are also visible, they require a telescope to be seen.

From January 17-18, Venus and Saturn will come within just a couple of finger widths' distance apart in the sky (about 2 degrees). This close approach will make for a stunning sight as the two planets appear almost side by side. Throughout January, Mars will be at opposition, meaning it is directly opposite the Sun from Earth and shines brightly all night. Look for Mars in the east as night falls and in the southwest at dawn. On January 13, skywatchers in the continental U.S. and Eastern Canada will witness the Moon passing in front of Mars. This event, known as an occultation, will be visible at different times depending on your location, so be sure to check your favorite skywatching app for details.

The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks on January 3, offering a moderate shower that usually delivers 20 to 30 meteors per hour under clear, dark skies. With no interference from the Moon, this year's peak is an excellent opportunity for meteor watching. While the term 'planet parade' isn't a technical term in astronomy, it's a fun way to describe the alignment of these planets along the ecliptic, the plane of the solar system. This alignment isn't rare, but seeing four or five bright planets at once doesn't happen every year, making it a special treat for skywatchers.

January 2025 is a month filled with celestial wonders, offering a variety of opportunities to explore the night sky. So grab your telescope, find a dark spot, and get ready for a month of amazing skywatching! Learn more nighttime skywatching tips at NASA.

 

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