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What's Up: January 2024 Skywatching Tips from NASA

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory・4 minutes read

The month of January offers a quadrant meteor shower peaking on January 4th, with Fireballs visible despite the moon's potential impact on visibility. The changing night sky reveals stars rising earlier each day, showcasing how Earth's movement alters our view of the cosmos throughout the year.

Insights

  • The month of January offers a quadrant meteor shower peaking on January 4th after midnight, showcasing bright Fireballs despite potential moonlight interference, with up to 25 meteors per hour until January 12th.
  • The evolving night sky reveals a gradual shift in star visibility as Earth orbits the sun, causing stars to rise earlier each day, altering our cosmic view over time. This celestial dance emphasizes Earth's movement rather than changes in the stars themselves.

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Recent questions

  • What meteor shower peaks in January?

    The quadrant meteor shower peaks in January, specifically after midnight on January 4th. This shower is known for producing bright meteors called Fireballs, with around 20 to 25 meteors per hour at its peak. Despite the third quarter moon potentially affecting visibility, the shower's activity can still be observed until around January 12th.

  • What celestial event occurs on January 8th before sunrise?

    On January 8th, before sunrise, Venus rises alongside a slim crescent moon in the Southeast. The bright star Arcturus will be above them, and the moon will also be close to the Red Giant star Antares. Observers in parts of the western US may even witness the moon occulting Antares as they rise. This morning also presents an opportunity to spot Mercury above the horizon before the sky brightens.

  • How does the night sky change over time?

    The changing night sky is highlighted by stars rising 4 minutes earlier each day, leading to a shift in visible stars over the course of the year. This slow cycle occurs as Earth orbits the sun, altering our nighttime view of the cosmos due to Earth's movement rather than the stars themselves. This gradual change in the night sky is a result of our planet's orbit around the sun.

  • What is the significance of Fireballs in meteor showers?

    Fireballs are bright meteors that can be observed during meteor showers, such as the quadrant meteor shower in January. These meteors are known for their luminous and intense appearance in the night sky. During the quadrant meteor shower peak, around 20 to 25 meteors per hour can be seen, including these striking Fireballs. Despite potential visibility issues due to the third quarter moon, these bright meteors are still observable until around January 12th.

  • How can observers in the western US witness a unique celestial event on January 8th?

    Observers in parts of the western US have the opportunity to witness a unique celestial event on January 8th. Before sunrise, Venus will rise alongside a slim crescent moon in the Southeast, with the bright star Arcturus above them. The moon will also be close to the Red Giant star Antares, and some observers may even witness the moon occulting Antares as they rise. Additionally, this morning presents a chance to spot Mercury above the horizon before the sky brightens, providing a special viewing experience for those in the western US.

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Summary

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"January Sky: Meteor Shower, Venus, Stars"

  • The month of January features a quadrant meteor shower peaking after midnight on January 4th, with the third quarter moon potentially affecting visibility. Despite this, bright meteors known as Fireballs can still be observed, with around 20 to 25 meteors per hour at the peak and activity lasting until around January 12th.
  • On January 8th, before sunrise, Venus rises alongside a slim crescent moon in the Southeast, with the bright star Arcturus above them. The moon will also be close to the Red Giant star anares, and observers in parts of the western US may witness the moon occulting anies as they rise. Additionally, this morning presents an opportunity to spot Mercury above the horizon before the sky brightens.
  • The changing night sky is highlighted, with stars rising 4 minutes earlier each day, leading to a shift in visible stars over the course of the year. This slow cycle occurs as Earth orbits the sun, altering our nighttime view of the cosmos due to Earth's movement rather than the stars themselves.
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