“Stellar Spectacle: January’s Unmissable Night Sky Showdown”

**Astrotourism: The Best Night-Sky Sights of January 2025**

As we bid farewell to 2024, the excitement for 2025’s astrotourism events is building. With the northern lights continuing to put on a spectacle, and numerous meteor showers and planetary alignments on the horizon, January is already shaping up to be an incredible month for stargazers. From January 2 to 16, take in the Quadrantid meteor shower, Saturn-moon meetup, Venus’ greatest eastern elongation, the Full Wolf Moon, Mars’ opposition, and a planet parade. Get ready to kick off 2025 with a bang – or, better yet, a shooting star.

**Jan. 2-3: Quadrantid Meteor Shower**

Kick off the New Year with a spectacular show as the Quadrantid meteor shower peaks between Jan. 2-3. The entire shower runs until Jan. 16, but this Jan. 2-3 night is your best bet for “shooting stars” and fireballs – particularly with the relatively dim waxing crescent moon, which is only 11 percent full, according to the American Meteor Society. The Quadrantids can produce an average of 25 meteors per hour at peak, and under dark skies. The shower is known for its bright fireballs. To catch the spectacle, watch the northeast sky late on Jan. 2 and early Jan. 3.

**Jan. 4: Saturn-moon meetup**

Come Jan. 4, point your eyes to the southern sky as Saturn and the moon will seemingly “meet” just after sundown. Both will appear within one binocular field of view, according to astronomy site When the Curves Line Up, although you’ll need a telescope to see planet details like Saturn’s dazzling rings. Don’t miss bright Venus just below the duo.

**Jan. 10: Venus Reaches Greatest Eastern Elongation**

On the evening of Jan. 10, Venus will reach its greatest eastern elongation – its easternmost distance from the sun. This is one of the best times of the year for Venus viewing. Catch the planet just below Saturn in the southwest sky after sunset; it will set beneath the western horizon around 9:30 p.m., according to stargazing site Stellarium.

**Jan. 13: Full Wolf Moon**

January’s full moon is known as the wolf moon for the likelihood of hearing wolves around this time. It reaches its fullest at 5:27 p.m. EST on Jan. 13, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. You can spot it above the eastern horizon once the sun sets. And, if you want to increase your odds of actually hearing a wolf this night, head to Yellowstone – it’s among the best places in the U.S. to experience the elusive canines.

**Jan. 15-16: Mars reaches opposition**

Get ready for the best Mars viewing of the year – and for the next two years – from Jan. 15-16. The red planet only reaches opposition (when Earth is between the sun and a planet) every two years, according to EarthSky. That means Mars will be brighter and more viewable than normal come mid-January. It will rise just after sunset above the eastern horizon and will move toward the western horizon until dawn. Mars officially reaches opposition at 10 p.m. EST on Jan. 15. You can see Mars with the naked eye, but stargazing binoculars or a telescope will enhance your view.

**Jan. 21: Planet Parade**

Catch six planets – Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Neptune, Saturn, and Uranus – simultaneously traveling through the sky on the night of Jan. 21. The planets will appear after sunset until around 9 p.m. local time. You can admire all but Uranus and Neptune with the naked eye, although, like Mars’ opposition, viewing through binoculars or a telescope will help you better admire all of the planets.

**FAQs**

Q: When is the best time to see the northern lights in 2025?
A: Since the northern lights are most active during the solar maximum, any time from now until the end of 2025 is a good time to spot them. Make sure to head to locations with minimal light pollution and the optimal aurora season, usually around the equinoxes.

Q: Where are the best places to see the northern lights?
A: Some top spots for northern lights viewing include Tromsø, Norway; Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada; and Lapland, Finland.

Q: Can I see the northern lights from anywhere in the world?
A: While the northern lights are visible in the Northern Hemisphere, the likelihood of seeing them depends on the location’s latitude, the solar activity, and the amount of moonlight. Generally, the higher the latitude, the greater the chance of viewing the northern lights.

**Conclusion**

January 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible month for astrotourism, with numerous meteor showers, planetary alignments, and the northern lights putting on a spectacular show. From January 2 to 16, take in the Quadrantid meteor shower, Saturn-moon meetup, Venus’ greatest eastern elongation, the Full Wolf Moon, Mars’ opposition, and a planet parade. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting your journey into the world of astrotourism, there’s something for everyone this month. So grab your binoculars, stargazing apps, and get ready to kick off 2025 with a bang – or, better yet, a shooting star.