Celestial Treat for New Yorkers in January 2025

As New Yorkers step into 2025, they are in for a celestial treat! From January 1 to January 5, stargazers will be able to witness the Quadrantid meteor shower, one of the year’s most dazzling displays, with a peak of up to 40 shooting stars per hour lighting up the nighttime sky. But that’s not all—this January, the planet Mars will shine brighter than ever, claiming the spotlight and captivating astronomy enthusiasts.

January: A Stargazer's Paradise

Frank Bifulco, a member of the Rockland Astronomy Club, highlights the advantages of January for stargazing. “The visibility of celestial objects is much better during this month,” he notes, although he admits the winter chill can be a challenge for those venturing outdoors.

Celebration kicks off at midnight on New Year’s Eve when partygoers can gaze upwards to catch a glimpse of the Beehive star cluster. Nestled in the southern sky within the constellation Canis Major, this cluster lies near Sirius, the brightest star in our night sky.

More Spectacular Sights Await

As the month progresses, more spectacular sights await. On the western horizon during the early evening hours, the bluish Pleiades and yellowish Hyades star clusters will be visible within the Taurus constellation. Quick heads up: on January 9, look for the moon just to the right of the Pleiades, providing a beautiful view.

Kat Troche, a NASA solar system ambassador, emphasizes the significance of the Pleiades, calling it “one of the well-known, well-studied star clusters.”

Planetary Showings Throughout January

Throughout January, several planets will grace the night sky. On January 3, Venus will be prominently visible just below and to the right of the moon after sunset, continuing to shine brightly as one of the most luminous objects in the evening. Bifulco reassures that “Venus is incredibly bright, and you can see it easily throughout Midtown Manhattan.”

And the excitement doesn’t stop there. Saturn will also make an appearance, visible on January 4 underneath and to the right of the moon.

Mars Takes Center Stage

However, the true star of the month is Mars. On January 13, fans of astronomy will be treated to a rare occultation, as Mars disappears behind the moon at 9:21 p.m. and re-emerges over an hour later. Occultations are uncommon, particularly in a bustling place like New York City, making this event even more special.

Just three days later on January 16, Mars reaches opposition—its closest point to Earth—fully illuminated by the sun’s rays. Troche highlights this event, remarking, “Mars will be easy to spot as it will appear nestled next to the moon, glowing in a brilliant red hue. You definitely cannot miss it!”

A Month to Remember in the Night Sky

So, this January, New Yorkers have much to look forward to in the night sky. Bundle up and enjoy this unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos as we ring in the new year in spectacular fashion!