Saskatchewan Skies: Enjoy the Spectacle of Venus Until 2039!

As January unfolds, stargazers in Saskatchewan are in for an astronomical treat. The moon has just transitioned past its new phase, and on January 3rd, Venus will grace the evening sky, positioned a mere 1.4 degrees north of a delicate crescent moon. This beautiful display sets the stage for a month filled with celestial wonders.

Mark your calendars for January 5th, when Saturn will be positioned just 0.7 degrees south of the moon, culminating in an occultation visible in select regions across the globe, though unfortunately not in northern North America. Meanwhile, Neptune will join the planetary dance, appearing 1.1 degrees south of the moon the next day, visible primarily from the Eastern Hemisphere.

Astronomical highlights continue with the moon reaching its first quarter on January 6th, followed by a close approach to Earth—the moon will be at perigee on January 7th, approximately 370,171 kilometers away. By January 9th, it will have moved four degrees north of Uranus, nestled among the stars of the famed Pleiades cluster. The wandering giant Jupiter makes an appearance five degrees south of the moon on January 10th, and stargazers should prepare for a spectacular full moon on January 13th, when Mars will be only 0.2 degrees away—a rare occultation for North American viewers not to be missed!

As the month progresses, Uranus will shine brightly alongside the moon on the nights of January 8th and 9th. Then, on the 22nd, Spica, a brilliant star in Virgo, will be just 0.1 degrees north of the last-quarter moon, which will also be at its apogee, approximately 404,298 kilometers from Earth. The cycle continues with the new moon on January 29th.

In the morning hours, Mercury will be favorably positioned, transitioning slowly through its gibbous phase, before disappearing from view by the end of the month as it draws closer to the sun.

Looking ahead, Venus will present an enchanting view in the western evening sky during the first half of 2025, offering a prominent backdrop for moon and Saturn sightings on January 3rd and 20th, respectively. Mars, on the other hand, transitions westward from Cancer to Gemini by January 12th while the belated full moon on January 13th briefly conceals the Red Planet. Expect Mars to glide closely to the star Pollux by January 21.

Jupiter, mesmerizing throughout the night in Taurus, showcases the dance of its four Galilean moons, which will captivate skywatchers, especially when combined with the waxing gibbous moon on January 10th.

Further excitement awaits with Saturn’s visibility in the early evening alongside Venus and the crescent moon. An intriguing ring-crossing event with Saturn will occur in March, but unfortunately will be unseen due to its proximity to the sun. Observers should note that we will only be able to view the southern side of Saturn's majestic rings until 2039—an astronomical event that fascinates researchers and enthusiasts alike.

For those attempting to catch a glimpse of Uranus, this blue-green planet will be close to the Taurus border, appearing alongside the waxing gibbous moon on January 18th. Star gazers can attempt to spot it without equipment, as its steady glare distinguishes it from twinkling stars.

Neptune, however, requires a telescope for viewing, found among the stars of Pisces in the southwestern sky after sunset.

Don't miss the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower on January 3rd at 15:00 UT (9 a.m. CST), offering a dazzling spectacle for dedicated observers!

Finally, note that Earth reaches perihelion on January 4th, standing 147,103,686 kilometers from the sun, marking this month as a golden opportunity for those who seek out the mysteries and beauty of the night sky in Saskatchewan and beyond.

Don't let these astronomical wonders slip away—grab your telescope, find a dark spot, and enjoy what the cosmos has to offer!