One consistent piece of feedback we receive from our guests is that our cabins are the perfect place, far from the light pollution of the city, to see the stars and constellations. Here’s what you can look forward to seeing in the sky this month on your next escape to nature.
January
Quadrantids Meteor Shower
The Quadrantids meteor shower peaks on the night of January 3rd and the early morning of January 4th, offering one of the first celestial shows of the new year. Known for its above-average activity, the Quadrantids can produce up to 40 meteors per hour at its peak. This shower is thought to originate from dust grains left behind by the extinct comet 2003 EH1, discovered in 2003. With a crescent moon setting early in the evening, skies will be dark, providing excellent conditions for meteor viewing. For the best experience, find a dark location after midnight. The meteors will radiate from the constellation Bootes but can appear anywhere in the sky.
Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation
On January 10th, Venus will reach its Greatest Eastern Elongation, at 47.2 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Venus, as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the bright “Evening Star” shining in the western sky after sunset. Venus will be a stunning sight, easily visible even without a telescope, making it a treat for both amateur astronomers and casual stargazers.
Full Moon
The Full Moon on January 13th will occur at 22:28 UTC, lighting up the night sky with its fully illuminated face. Known as the Wolf Moon by early Native American tribes, this full moon signifies the time of year when hungry wolf packs were heard howling outside villages. It is also referred to as the Old Moon and the Moon After Yule. The bright moonlight provides a wonderful opportunity to observe the moon’s detailed surface features, such as craters, valleys, and mountain ranges. It’s an ideal time for moonlit walks and nighttime photography.
Mars at Opposition
January 16th brings Mars to Opposition, marking its closest approach to Earth this year. Fully illuminated by the Sun, the red planet will be brighter than at any other time and visible all night long. This is the best opportunity to view and photograph Mars. With a medium-sized telescope, you can observe some of the planet’s dark surface features, like polar ice caps and dark plains. The reddish-orange glow of Mars will be a stunning sight, making this event a highlight for both seasoned astronomers and casual observers.
New Moon
On January 29th, the New Moon will occur at 12:37 UTC. During this phase, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible in the night sky. This absence of moonlight offers the darkest skies of the month, perfect for observing faint celestial objects like distant galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae. Whether you’re using a telescope, binoculars, or simply your eyes, the New Moon provides the ideal conditions for deep space exploration and astrophotography.