Step outside tonight and cast your eyes to the sky, as you should be treated to the sight of the planet Venus shining brightly just above the waxing crescent moon. This rare conjunction captivates stargazers, offering enchanting views across the UK.
On the evening of January 3, as twilight darkened, Venus was visible to the naked eye, floating above the crescent moon positioning itself beautifully against the backdrop of the south-west night sky. Many eager onlookers took to social media, sharing stunning photographs of this cosmic spectacle from various locations, including Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
Professor Christopher Collins, an emeritus astrophysics professor from Liverpool John Moores University, shared insights about Venus: “Venus is the second planet from the sun, so you can’t see the surface as it's covered in noxious gases. Sometimes it gets so bright it casts a shadow.” He also explained how the moon’s phases affect visibility: “The moon waxes and wanes, which means more of the surface becomes covered on different nights. A waxing moon means more of its face is getting covered, whereas a waning moon is when the light crescent is getting smaller.”
Adding to the excitement, Jupiter was also visible on this astronomical night, alongside the Quadrantids meteor shower—a treat for stargazing enthusiasts. The Quadrantids, known for their dramatic display, emerge from the same point, situated toward the Big Dipper.
Stuart Atkinson, an amateur astronomer, encouraged observers to admire the conjunction: “Look to the south-west after sunset tonight and you'll see a beautiful sight: Venus and the Moon shining very close together in the twilight. The pair will look gorgeous to the naked eye, but if you have binoculars handy, they’ll look even more stunning through those!” His captivating invitation worked, as many flocked to open spaces to enjoy the celestial show.
This alignment of Venus and the moon is more than just visually appealing; it marked the beginning of what astronomers refer to as "planet parades". These types of alignments only occur from our viewpoint here on Earth. Jake Foster, astronomy education officer at Royal Museums Greenwich, explained, “These kinds of alignments… are unique from our perspective. The planets themselves are not aligned physically during these events.”
On January 5, another astronomical wonder awaits as Venus, along with Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn, can be observed roughly 90 minutes after sunset. These planetary alignments provide both beauty and intellectual curiosity as they prompt us to explore our cosmos.
For those who missed this spectacle, rest assured: Venus will continue to shine brightly as it rises higher throughout January. Often referred to as the Evening Star, Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system and its movements provide ample opportunities for observation. Horizon-watchers will soon spot Venus reaching its furthest distance from the sun, occurring around January 9 or 10.
The evenings of January 3 and 4 offer incredible chances for celestial observations. With the dark winters skies, it's the perfect backdrop for astronomy. Planetary movements will see Venus and Saturn closely aligned at just 7.5° apart mid-January. This period is nothing short of remarkable for star lovers and those intrigued by astronomy alike.
With ample opportunities to observe Venus, it’s also delightful to think about the lunar occultation of Saturn on January 4, where Saturn will seem to vanish behind the moon, only to reappear moments later. Capturing these wonders serves as both a scientific delight and artistic inspiration.
So why not seize the moment? Take your binoculars, venture to darker skies away from city lights, and share your experiences with the wonder of the universe. The skies are alive, and there's plenty left to see this month!