Astronomical calendar January 2019

This ephemeris contains information about astronomical events that will take place in 2019, including phases of the Moon, meteor showers, solar eclipses, lunar eclipses, planets in opposition, conjunctions of planets and other events interesting.

Most of the astronomical events in this calendar are visible to the naked eye, although some may require the aid of a pair of binoculars or telescopes. Many events and times in this calendar are taken from the United States Naval Observatory, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, SeaSky.org, TimeAndDate.com, and many other reputable sources .

The events in this calendar are listed in chronological order. The times in the article have been converted to Vietnam time (UTC+7).

January 3, 04: Quadrantid meteor shower.

The Quadrantids are an above average meteor shower, with up to 40 meteors per hour at its peak. This meteor shower is believed to have originated from the remnants of dust from comet 2003 EH1, discovered in 2003 but now extinct. Quadrantid meteors usually appear every year from January 1 to 5. The peak falls this year on the night of the 3rd and in the early morning of the 4th.

The thin crescent will not interfere with observations. The best time to see this meteor shower is after midnight in a dark, open area. Meteors tend to appear from the constellation Bootes (Mu Phu), but can still appear anywhere in the sky.

Quadrantid meteor shower. Author: Justin Ng

January 6: New Moon

The Moon is on the same side as the Sun as seen from Earth, so it cannot be seen in the night sky. This process occurs at 08:28.

This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies or star clusters as there is no influence from moonlight.

January 6: Venus is at its maximum western equinox.

The planet will reach its maximum westward elongation when it is 47 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to observe Venus as it is highest on the horizon in the early morning. Look for this planet shining in the eastern sky before sunrise.

January 6: partial solar eclipse

A partial eclipse occurs when the Moon covers part of the Sun, sometimes making the Sun look like a half-eaten pie. This phenomenon can only be safely observed using a solar filter or indirectly through the reflection of the Sun.

This partial solar eclipse is visible over East Asia and the North Pacific. The best vantage point is the northeastern region of Russia, with a coverage rate of 62%. In Vietnam can’t observed this eclipse.

Partial solar eclipse observed from China, August 11, 2018. Author: Ultimosegundo

January 21: Full Moon, Super Moon.

The Moon will be in a position facing the Sun as seen from Earth, and its part facing the Earth will be fully illuminated. The process takes place at 12:16 p.m.

This full moon was called the Wolf Moon by ancient Native American tribes because at that time hungry wolves howled outside their camps. This full moon is also known as the Old Moon or the Moon after Yule (the ancient Norse winter festival, now identified with Christmas).

It’s also the first of three supermoons in 2019. The Moon will approach Earth, appearing slightly larger and brighter than usual.

Full moon. Source: Pinterest

January 21: Total Lunar Eclipse

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely enters the Earth’s shadow. During a lunar eclipse, the Moon gradually darkens and turns red like rusty metal or blood red. This phenomenon will be visible from most of North America, South America, Eastern Pacific Ocean, Western Atlantic Ocean, especially Western Europe and Western Africa. In Vietnam can’t observed this lunar eclipse.

January 22: Conjunction between Venus and Jupiter.

These two planets shine together just 2.4 degrees apart in the early morning sky. Look for this impressive view to the east just before sunrise

Conjunction between Venus and Jupiter. Author: Laurent Laveder, Twan