12-30-2024 10:06pm

Science News: What’s Up: January 2025 Skywatching Tips from NASA

Donnella Tilery Editor

The phases of the Moon for January 2025. NASA/JPL-Caltech

Each evening this month, enjoy a sweeping view of four bright planets at once. Also look for a close approach of Venus and Saturn, Mars occulted by the Moon, and meteors!

Skywatching Highlights

January 3 – Quadrantid meteor shower peaks: This is a moderate shower, usually delivering 20 to 30 meteors per hour under clear, dark skies at its peak. No interference from the Moon makes this year's peak a better bet for meteor watching.

January 13 – Moon Occults Mars: For skywatchers in the continental U.S. and Eastern Canada, the Moon will appear to pass in front of Mars this evening. Times vary by location, so check your favorite skywatching app for details.

January 17-18 – Venus and Saturn conjunction: Over a couple of weeks, the two planets come within just a couple of finger widths' distance apart in the sky (about 2 degrees). They're at their closest on the 17th and 18th.

All month – Four planets Visible: In the first couple of hours after dark, you'll find Venus and Saturn in the southwest, Jupiter high overhead, and Mars in the east. (Uranus and Neptune are there too, but a telescope is needed to see them.) Planets always appear a long a line on the sky to the "alignment" isn't special. What's less common is seeing four or five bright planets at once, which doesn't happen every year. Is it a "planet parade"? This isn't a technical term in astronomy, so call it what you wish!

All month – Mars at Opposition: The Red Planet is directly opposite the Sun from Earth and shines brightly all night. It's in the east as night falls and in the southwest at dawn.

What’s Up for January?

Cue the planet parade, Saturn and Venus cross paths, Mars expresses its opposition, and the outlook for the Quadrantid meteors.

In January, you’ll have the opportunity to take in four bright planets in a single, sweeping view.