| January 3rd and 4th | Predicted peak of the Quadriids meteor shower |
| January 12th | Mercury at maximum western elongation |
| January 13th and 14th | “Dance” of the Moon and Saturn |
| January 25th | full wolf moon |
A new year often means making resolutions and new plans. Since 2024 is a leap year, there will be an additional 366 days of stargazing this year. In the northern hemisphere, a lack of sunlight can sap our energy, but increased darkness means more time for stargazing. At this time of year, the cold air is less hazy than in summer, so the fewer clouds make it easier to see celestial bodies. As we approach 2024, here are some cosmic events to keep an eye on.
[Related: 7 US parks where you can get stunning nightsky views.]
January 3rd and 4th – Predicted peak of the Shibungid meteor shower
of quadrant meteor shower Technically speaking, this is the first meteor shower of the year. It usually begins in mid-November of the previous year and ends by mid-January.This is expected to happen this year The peak is in the early morning hours of January 3rd and 4th..
Although not as dramatic as the Geminid meteor shower in December or the Persian meteor shower in July, the Geminid meteor shower can produce more than 100 meteors per hour under dark skies without a bright moon. there is. It is also known for occasional fireballs. According to NASA“A fireball is a large explosion of light and color that can last longer than the average meteor stream. This is due to the fact that fireballs originate from larger particles of matter. Fireballs also It will become brighter and its magnitude will be brighter than -3.”
Towards 2024, Looking for shooting stars after 1am local time Perfect for stargazing wherever you are. However, the moon will also rise, so any fainter shooting stars may be drowned out by the light.
January 12th – Mercury reaches maximum western elongation
Mercury will be at its maximum distance from the Sun on January 12th. Look for Mercury low in the sky. eastern sky just before sunrise local time. At the beginning of this morning’s appearance, the planet brightens rapidly. Before Mercury appeared, passed between the earth and the sun. With the unlit side facing Earth, it looks like a thin, barely illuminated crescent moon. As the appearance continues, the crescent grows and the planet becomes brighter.
January 13th and 14th – Moon and Saturn “dance”
Not very exciting, but “Great” conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 2020, the moon will appear near the solar system’s most famous ringed planet this month. The moon will appear to be floating above Saturn on the 13th, and will set below the ringed planet on the 14th. Eastern Time, they are: The moon will be visible before setting around 8:10 p.m.
[Related: ‘Skyglow’ is rapidly diminishing our nightly views of the stars.]
January 25th – Full Wolf Moon
of First full moon of 2024 It rises on January 25th and reaches its peak brightness. 12:54pm (EST)
If the peak illuminance is during the day in your location, the moon will remain bright on the northeast horizon even after sunset.
The full moon in January is called wolf moon.Its name is thought of as Celtic and Old English roots and a reference to packs of hungry wolves that roam during the winter.Additional name for this first full moon of the year Include the beginning of the winter months or maasii bibhuuni giigis Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwa), waning moon, or Tough Chowka Tunica and Cracking Tree Moon, or Putenawe Mutoku Nīpauk Mahika dialect of the Stockbridge Munsee Band, Wisconsin.
The same sky-gazing rules that apply to almost all stargazing activities are key this month. Go to a dark place, away from city or town lights, and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 30 minutes.
