Title: Gazing at the Stars: The Night Sky this Week - Mars and the Moon Shine Bright
⚡Hey there, sky-gazing enthusiasts! Let's dive into the cosmos and explore the celestial wonders waiting for us this week, from January 20 to 26, 2025. Find my detailed articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses, and more in my primary feed. 🌌
The Night Sky This Week: Jan. 20-26, 2025
Get ready for mesmerizing evenings under the starry night, from perfect stargazing conditions to captivating celestial meetings. Here's what to look forward to:
Monday, Jan. 20: Moon's Dance with Spica
Brace yourself for a spectacular sight tonight in the eastern sky around midnight: a 55%-lit waning gibbous moon dancing a nail-biting close pas de deux with Spica – the brightest star in Virgo's constellation and approximately 250 light-years away. This very close conjunction happens every month in 2025, but tonight's performance is the most intimate.
Tuesday, Jan. 21: Last-Quarter Moon
Get prepared for a Last-Quarter (or Third-Quarter) Moon, sprinkling half its light across a half-illuminated lunar disk and rising around midnight. Keep your eyes peeled tonight, as the moon's rising and setting times gradually move 50 minutes later each day, leading to moonless nights this weekend.
Thursday, Jan. 23: Mars' Encounter with the 'Twins'
Once darkness descends, gaze southwards, and you'll witness Mars flirting with the twinkling bright star Pollux in Gemini, their proximity just a couple of degrees apart. Castor, Pollux's other celestial partner, isn't far behind, nestled cozily in the sun's cosmic neighborhood. Pollux, a giant star nine times the size of our sun, boasts one confirmed exoplanet orbiting just around it. Castor, on the other hand, is a six-star system waiting to be discovered!
Friday, Jan. 24: Morning Moon and Antares' Embrace
In the eastern sky, just hours before sunrise, the 26%-lit waning crescent moon rows up to the enchanting Antares – a legendary red supergiant star in the Scorpius constellation. This monumental star, twelve times the mass of our sun, is one of the most colossal known. With marvelous hues of distinct orangey-red, Antares is hailed as Mars' rival for its rosy color and close encounters every 26 months.
Don't forget to factor in your location for precise observations. Refer to online planetariums like Stellarium for the most accurate depictions tailored to your geographical coordinates.
Wishing you crystal-clear skies and sparkling eyes! ✨
On Monday, the 55%-lit waning gibbous moon performs a nail-biting close dance with Spica, the brightest star in Virgo's constellation, while Mars is noticeably absent. However, on Thursday, Mars makes its way down south and gets close to Pollux, one of the 'Twins' in Gemini, creating an intriguing celestial scene.
During the early hours of Friday, the now 26%-lit waning crescent moon approaches Antares, the legendary red supergiant star in Scorpius, known for its distinct orangey-red hue and its close encounters with Mars every 26 months. Mars, unfortunately, won't be present for this encounter.