Title: When Mars Disappears Behind a Full Moon: A Peek into the Night Sky this Week
Each Monday, I share North America's celestial highlights for the week ahead, applicable to mid-northern latitudes in the northern hemisphere. Check my main feed for more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses, and more.
The Night Sky This Week: Jan. 13-19, 2025
This week, marvel at the full "Wolf Moon" as it rises, eclipsing Mars for a few hours. Then, witness the close approach of Venus and Saturn, almost touching on Saturday. Here's your go-to guide for stargazing and astronomy this week:
Monday, Jan. 13: A Full ‘Wolf Moon’ Ascends
Before the main event arrives, prepare for the more familiar one: January's full moon, nicknamed the "Wolf Moon." Locate a vantage point with a clear eastern horizon to watch it rise an hour after the sun's set in the west. This lunar spectacle will exhibit a prominent, muted orange hue. The optimal viewing time will be shortly after moonrise, its exact timing varying based on your location.
Monday, Jan. 13-Tuesday, Jan. 14: A Full ‘Wolf Moon’ Occludes Mars
Prepare to witness one of 2025's highlights – a near-full “Wolf Moon” rising to partially eclipse the planet Mars. The event will transpire high in the sky, visible across North America, with the action commencing at 8:44 p.m. EST on Monday, Jan. 13, and concluding at 00:52 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 14. However, the timing and sight of the event will differ based on your location. Additionally, Mars will disappear (ingress) from sight for about an hour before reappearing (egress). For precise timing across major U.S. cities and other locations, refer to Astroleague's fabulous map, In-the-sky.org, or the International Occultation Timing Association's listings for U.S. locations in Universal Time.
This cosmic dance will unfold near the bright star Pollux in Gemini, with its twin, Castor, in close proximity. At roughly 34 and 51 light-years distant, these star systems reside in the sun's neighborhood.
Monday, Jan. 13: A Comet Approaches the Sun
Remember October's comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS? This week, another comet, C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), makes its closest approach to the Earth. Unfortunately, due to its summer constellation, Sagittarius, it remains hidden from the Northern Hemisphere's view.
Wednesday, Jan. 15: Mars at Opposition
This week, Mars—the fourth planet—is at its most prominent in the night sky. Its opposition occurs every 26 months, bringing the red planet closest to Earth, making it appear largest and brightest.
Mars will rise in the east during dusk and set in the west during dawn, providing the perfect opportunity for stargazers with modest telescopes to glimpse its red hue and, if lucky, its polar ice caps. Mars will remain a nighttime sight until November, eventually sinking into the sun's glare.
Thursday, Jan. 16: Moon and Regulus
The celestial spotlight shifts to the brightest star in the constellation Leo, Regulus, and the moon. These two celestial bodies will appear a few degrees apart in the eastern sky, setting about four hours after sunset.
Saturday, Jan. 18: Venus and Saturn in Conjunction
Saturn has been sinking in the western sky, while Venus has been rising for several weeks. Tonight, the event many have been anticipating takes place – Venus and Saturn will appear in close proximity in the west post sunset. The observing window will be short as both planets will sink soon after.
Yours truly will provide location-specific information for these events via online planetariums such as Stellarium. Spread your excitement for stargazing with a wide-eyed attitude!
After the eclipse of Mars by the full "Wolf Moon", you might also look forward to observing the planet Saturn in the northern hemisphere. Saturn, along with Venus, will have a close conjunction in the west post sunset on Saturday, providing an interesting pairing in the night sky for stargazers in North America.
In addition to Mars and Saturn, astronomy enthusiasts in North America can also focus on Saturn's ringed neighbor, Saturn, as it makes its journey across the northern hemisphere. A notable event for Saturn is its opposition on January 15, when it will be at its most prominent and closest to Earth, making it an excellent target for stargazers with telescopes.
