The Wolf Moon, the first full moon of 2025, has brought excitement among astronomy enthusiasts. This month, the moon's presence became even more memorable as it passed in front of Mars in a rare lunar occultation. Such an event is extraordinary, visible only once every two years, linking Earth and Mars in their cosmic dance.
As January unfolds, stargazers also have the opportunity to see Venus, Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter collectively illuminating the sky. Venus, known as the brightest planet, will be setting in the western sky, while Saturn, though faint, shines brighter than most stars. This planetary alignment creates a stunning visual for astronomy fans, especially on January 25th.
Upcoming astronomical events hold promise, including the mysterious Zodiacal Lights appearing in February. Stargazers can stay updated on these celestial occurrences with the help of astronomy apps like Sky Tonight and Stellarium. These tools provide real-time tracking of celestial objects, ensuring enthusiasts can fully enjoy the wonders of the night sky.
In Battery Park City, tree collection is ongoing, while the first full moon of the year, known as the Wolf Moon, delights sky watchers. A rare astronomical event occurred recently, where the full moon passed in front of Mars in a phenomenon known as lunar occultation. Meteorologist Audrey Puente highlighted this amazing sight which won't be seen again for a while. In addition to the captivating lunar display, notable celestial happenings will continue throughout the month, including the visibility of Mars, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter in the night sky. Deborah Byrd, founder of EarthSky, mentioned that the Wolf Moon this year is unique because of its proximity to Mars, creating a beautiful celestial scene. Astronomy apps like Sky Tonight and Stellarium allow enthusiasts to track the position of these planets and more, making it easier than ever to observe these extraordinary events from home. December may bring the eerie vision of the Zodiacal Lights, another event stargazers are looking forward to in February.I’m in Scotland & am looking at Mars Jupiter & Venus in a diagonal vertical line from my garden on the 15 th of January & I feel electric.