Why not start 2023 with a little astronomy? No sophisticated instrument is required to take advantage of the many phenomena visible in January. Your eyes are enough.
2022 was rich in emotions for astronomers who will undoubtedly not forget the 9 space adventures (James Webb, moon, black holes, etc.) of the year. 2023 also promises to be busy, with the moon continuing to take center stage. Astronomical observations can also resume from the first days of this month of January.
Here are exactly the astronomical phenomena that can be admired in the sky in January 2023 – even without an astronomical instrument (reflector telescope, telescope).
Moon phases in January
You can start the new year with one simple resolution: watch the moon more often. Many formations on its surface, such as impact craters, can already be seen with the naked eye or binoculars.
To follow the development of the moon, we speak of phases. The moon itself doesn’t change, it’s just the part lit by the sun that varies from our perspective.
- the Saturday January 7th, it’s full moon. Its entire visible side is illuminated by the sun.
- the Sunday January 15th, this is the phase of the last quarter. We can also say that the moon is in western quadrature. Or more simply, that we see a crescent moon.
- the Saturday January 21st, it is the moment of the new moon. Because it lies between the earth and the sun, it cannot be seen in the sky.
- Then the Saturday January 28th, we find a crescent, with the phase of the first quarter. This time the moon is in easterly quadrature.
Planets visible to the naked eye in January
All planets in the solar system visible to the naked eye will be observable in January 2023. The following table indicates in which constellations they can be found at which times.
| mercury | Venus | march | Jupiter | Saturn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| From 1 to 8 | invisible | 17:10 – 17:50 Capricorn | 5:10 p.m. – 5:40 a.m. Taurus | 5:10 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Fish | 17:10 – 19:50 Capricorn |
| From 9 to 15 | 8:30 – 8:40 a.m. Sagittarius | 17:20 – 18:10 Capricorn | 5:20 p.m. – 5:10 a.m. Taurus | 17:20 – 23:00 Fish | 17:20 – 19:20 Capricorn |
| From 16 to 22 | 7:50 – 8:30 a.m. Sagittarius | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Capricorn | 5:30 p.m. – 4:50 a.m. Taurus | 17:30 – 22:40 Fish | 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Capricorn |
| From 23 to 29 | 7:50 – 8:20 a.m. Sagittarius | 17:40 – 18:50 Aquarius | 5:40 p.m. – 4:20 a.m. Taurus | 17:40 – 22:20 Fish | 17:40 – 18:40 Capricorn |
| From 30th to 31st | 7:50 – 8:10 a.m. Sagittarius | 17:50 – 19:20 Aquarius | 5:50 p.m. – 4 a.m. Taurus | 17:50 – 22:00 Fish | 17:50 – 18:10 Capricorn |
Other astronomical phenomena
In January 2023 there are other remarkable astronomical phenomena to see.
- the Tuesday January 3rdthe crescent moon approaches Mars. Viewers from the southern hemisphere will even witness an occultation of Mars – we had already seen a magnificent occultation of Mars in mainland France on December 8, 2022.
- the Wednesday January 4th, the Earth passed perihelion at 17:17. There is no heavenly spectacle to watch. On the other hand, you can remember that the distance between the Earth and the Sun is then minimal – 147,098,924.694 km.
- the Sunday January 22ndVenus and Saturn will be in conjunction shortly after sunset.
- The day after, Monday 23 Januaryyou can see a fine crescent moon.
- Then the tuesday 24 januaryconditions are ideal for seeing earthshine.
- the Wednesday January 25ththe moon is close to Jupiter.
- the Saturday January 28thwatch Venus, Jupiter, Moon and Mars come together in the evening.
- The day after, Monday January 30thThe Moon, Mars and the star Aldebaran (the brightest in Taurus) form a pretty celestial triangle.
It only remains for us to wish you nice sky observations in January (and mild weather) for a good start into 2023!
Find all information about the impetuous planet Jupiter