January 2019

Phases of the Moon

Venus

Venus remains very bright on the morning sky. On January 6 morning it will be at greatest western elongation of 47 degrees from the Sun, i.e., it will achieve the largest angular distance from the Sun towards west. After this date Venus will be moving slowly towards the Sun, so that it will rise later and later.

Moon: Total Lunar Eclipse

On January 21 around 5 UT, there will be a total lunar eclipse. Its visibility depends on the longitude where you are living. All eclipse will be visible in both Americas and at the very western border of Europe. Africa, Middle Europe and Eastern Europe will see almost all eclipse at moonset. The eclipse will be not visible in India, Eastern Asia and Australia.

Quadrantid Meteor Shower

On January 4 around 3 UT, there might be a high activity of meteors with the radiant in the former constellation Quadrans (near the northern part of Bootes). With nearly New Moon, the conditions will be ideal (but the weather can be very cold!). Bright events leave persistent trains for seconds. However, you will need dark sky outside the widespread light pollution.