January 24 at 13:00 CST: Pollux 1.7°N of Moon With binoculars or a small telescope, you should be able to see the cluster next to the Moon. The Moon makes a close pass to the Pleiades, an open star cluster also known as the Seven Sisters. January 20 at 07:25 CST: Pleiades 0.9°N of Moon Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, makes a close pass by the Moon, offering a great opportunity to observe and photograph the two together. January 18 at 14:40 CST Jupiter: 2.8°S of Moon The Moon is now half illuminated and you’ll be able to see some nice detail along the terminator – the line dividing the day and night sides of the Moon. January 17 at 21:53 CST: FIRST QUARTER MOON The Moon crosses the ecliptic going north, a good opportunity to understand the Moon’s motion relative to Earth. January 17 at 08:05 CST: Moon at Ascending Node A good chance for astrophotographers to get shots of both celestial bodies in the same frame. Saturn will be making a close approach to the Moon, and they will appear to be close together in the sky. January 14 at 03:31 CST: Saturn 2.1°N of Moon This makes it appear larger and brighter in our night sky. The Moon is at its closest approach to Earth, known as perigee. January 13 at 04:35 CST: Moon at Perigee: 362264 km Mercury reaches its greatest elongation, meaning it will be at its furthest apparent distance from the Sun, making it an optimal time for observation. January 12 at 08:00 CST: Mercury at Greatest Elong: 23.5°W Without moonlight, the sky is at its darkest.

With the Moon not visible in the sky, it’s the perfect time to observe faint celestial bodies.

A good opportunity to capture some stunning images if you’re into astrophotography. Mars, the Red Planet, will be a sight to behold as it makes its approach to the Moon. January 10 at 02:31 CST: Mars 4.2°N of Moon They will appear close together in the sky, which makes for a great visual spectacle. The star Antares, known for its reddish hue, will have a close encounter with the Moon. January 08 at 08:24 CST: Antares 0.8°S of Moon The peak will most likely only last for a few hours so make sure to be prepared. The annual Quadrantid meteor shower reached its peak after being active for about three weeks. Astronomical Highlights January 04 at 23:20 CST: Quadrantid meteor shower peak

Starfall calendar january 2015