2025 is going to be an incredible year in astronomical terms, and it is only in January that it will be possible to observe everything from lunar alignments with Venus to the appearance of Comet ATLAS. So, grab a good blanket, a telescope and let’s go explore the wonderful world of the cosmos, let yourself be amazed by our universe!
Parade of plants in the sky
This month you will be able to see the planetary conjunction of Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars, the four brightest planets in our sky.
Pay close attention as soon as the sky sets and you will see how Venus and Saturn dominate the western horizon, while Jupiter and Mars observe them from the east.
Uranus and Neptune, meanwhile, will be visible with binoculars from very dark skies, making the January sky a true spectacle of sparkling lights in the sky.
What makes this event so special?
What makes this event unique is the way the planets appear to align in the plane of the ecliptic, an invisible line that defines the motion of our solar system. While it is not uncommon to see several planets in the sky at the same time, the clear and bright arrangement of these celestial bodies is a rare sight.
Comet Atlas returns
Yes, another star returning to the sky, Comet Atlas (C/2024 G3) will be visible again, and this comet has survived its close pass to the Sun. Its brightness reached magnitude -3 and this comet was visible even during the day. Observers with specialized telescopes and tools such as the coronagraphs of the SOHO mission have documented its impressive appearance.
If the weather permits, you will be able to see it every evening as it moves away from the Sun.
How can you see it?
You don’t need expensive equipment to enjoy this spectacle. A simple pair of binoculars will be enough to identify the fainter planets like Uranus and Neptune, while the brightness of Venus and Jupiter is visible to the naked eye. If you have a telescope, you will be able to see details like Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s Galilean moons.
Here’s another tip: to locate planets, you can rely on digital tools like in-the-sky.org or Star Walk that can help you identify which planets you’re looking at.
When can we see it?
Here are the key dates for the astronomical events of the season: January 10 is a notable date, as the Moon will be in its first quarter and will be close to Jupiter and Saturn, creating a celestial composition that will be difficult to repeat. In addition, on January 25, Mars will pass close to Venus, offering a contrast of colours between the red and white of both planets.
What else can we see in January
In addition to the planetary alignment and the comet, January also brings the opportunity to observe the Quadrantids (a meteor shower that will peak between the 3rd and 4th). With a rate of up to 120 meteors per hour in ideal conditions, it will become, along with the Perseids, the most intense meteor shower of this year.
Orion’s Belt, easily recognizable by its three aligned stars, will be another point of interest in the night sky, along with the bright winter constellations such as Gemini and Taurus.
Why is this event important?
Beyond its beauty, these types of astronomical events make us wonder how tiny we are in the face of such a large universe! They are also a unique opportunity to observe how celestial bodies behave up there.
So, with this magical calendar, don’t hesitate to look up!