NASA’s skywatching tips for January include a parade of planets

NASA has just released its guide on what to observe in the night sky in January 2025.

The month begins with the Quadrantid meteor shower, peaking on Friday, January 3. This meteor shower is classified as “moderate” and can produce up to 30 meteors per hour. The ideal time to watch is in the hours before dawn, so early risers will have the best chance. Conditions for viewing are favorable as there will be no moonlight interference. To enhance your experience, find a location away from city lights and light pollution. “This shower is best observed from the Northern Hemisphere, with the Northwest and Pacific regions likely offering the best viewing this year,” according to NASA.

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On the evening of Monday, January 13, observers in the continental U.S. and Eastern Canada can witness the moon passing in front of Mars. Specific times vary by location, so consult a skywatching app for details, advises NASA.

Later in the month, on January 17/18, Venus and Saturn will appear very close together, known as a planetary conjunction. Venus will be noticeably brighter than Saturn.

Throughout the month, several events will be visible. After dark, Venus and Saturn can be seen in the southwest, Jupiter overhead, and Mars in the east. It’s a rare opportunity to view four bright planets simultaneously, with a telescope needed to spot Uranus and Neptune. “Mars will be directly opposite the sun from Earth, shining brightly with a salmon-pink hue during the night,” NASA noted.

Remember to look for Mars in the east at nightfall and in the southwest at dawn all through January.