NASA Provides a Calendar of Sky watching Activities for the Month of January
HIGHLIGHTS
Around 8-9 p.m., head out to be stunned by the sparkling stars of Winter Circle.
The Quadrantid meteor shower also peaks around this time.
The meteors appear to be coming from the Bootes constellation.
WHY IN NEWS
Most astronomers, particularly stargazers, would have enjoyed last year's spectacular cosmic phenomena, which kept them enthralled. After a brief hiatus during the Christmas season, it's time to return to the vastness of the sky. These sky seekers are in for a variety of exciting and intriguing happenings. NASA has recounted the events in a video update for January as part of its 'What's Up' series. The first week of January, when the new moon rises in the New Year, would be an excellent opportunity to gaze up at the stars with little or no distraction from other lights. Then there would be midnight meteor showers, with astronomers able to view Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. Because a new moon rose on January 2, the first week of the month will be perfect for stargazing because the skies will be the darkest. Around 8-9 p.m., go outdoors and be stunned by the dazzling stars of the Winter Circle, as well as the Pleiades and Orion, which may be seen in the southern sky.
READ MORE ABOUT THIS ON NASA OFFICIAL PAGE
The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks about the same time. So, what better way to start the new year than by gazing at some shooting stars? While the rain peaked on the night of January 2 and the morning of January 3, it will continue to be active for the next two weeks. It's one of the best showers, with a lot of fireballs. It's a wonderful event since it coincides with the new moon. The meteors appear to be coming from the constellation Bootes, which includes Arcturus, the brilliant star. In general, the optimum time to watch is after midnight. There will be a few of highlights for early risers around twilight and morning. On January 5, the crescent moon will be in close proximity to Jupiter in the southwest (just 4 degrees apart). Catch a glimpse of the Moon near Mars early in the morning on January 29, at the conclusion of the month. Venus, which will be visible in the southeast sky, will join them. According to NASA, Mars has returned to view after spending the last few months hidden behind the Sun. On January 5, the crescent moon will be in a close pairing with Jupiter in the southwest. Around 8-9 p.m., head out to be stunned by the sparkling stars of Winter Circle. The Quadrantid meteor shower also peaks around this time. The meteors appear to be coming from the Bootes constellation.
