Astronomy enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting January, highlighted by the Quadrantid meteor shower, as detailed in this month’s edition of “Eyes to the Skies” by Greg Redfern. This ongoing feature, which publishes on the first of each month, can be found on WTOP’s The Space Place. Readers are encouraged to send their astronomy questions to Greg, who may address them in future editions.
January offers a wealth of stargazing opportunities. As the winter constellations dominate the night sky, the Quadrantid meteor shower peaks on the night of January 3-4. While viewing conditions may be challenging due to the nearly full moon, stargazers are still expected to catch sight of bright meteors, particularly best viewed from midnight to dawn.
One of the standout stars of the month is Betelgeuse, a reddish star prominent in the well-known constellation Orion the Hunter. This constellation is visible worldwide, making Orion an ideal reference point for spotting other winter constellations. Stargazers who have access to binoculars or telescopes are encouraged to explore the Orion Nebula, where stunning images of this stellar nursery can be captured.
As January commences, bright stars and constellations make their appearance shortly after sunset, with the best views occurring around 11 p.m. Jupiter also enhances the winter night sky’s beauty. Significant dates for January include:
– January 3 marks the perihelion, when Earth reaches its closest point to the Sun.
– The full Wolf supermoon rises on January 3 at 5:03 a.m., appearing alongside Jupiter in the eastern sky.
– January 10 brings Jupiter’s opposition in the constellation of Gemini.
In the latter part of the month, the waning crescent moon and the star Antares will be visible on January 14, while a celestial lineup of Jupiter, the nearly full moon, and the star Pollux will grace the sky on January 31.
The month will also see various moon phases, beginning with the full Wolf supermoon, followed by the last quarter on January 10, a new moon on January 18, and the first quarter on January 25.
While Mercury, Venus, and Mars are currently obscured by sunlight, Jupiter shines brightly throughout the night and should be easily observed. Saturn, high in the southwest after dark, promises to be a spectacular sight through a telescope, showcasing its magnificent rings. Uranus and Neptune will be visible, though they may require binoculars or telescopes for optimal observation.
For those looking to explore the night sky more deeply, a custom star chart can be created online. Astronomy lovers are welcome to send in their questions or suggestions for future features to Greg Redfern, and they can also follow his daily blog for the latest in astronomy and space exploration.