Hi, sky friends,
Here we are once again to discuss another aspect of our beautiful sky.
For this month, I will try and talk about what is out there when we are not looking at the sun, the stars, planets, or other solid objects.
If we get above our atmosphere, we are then in space. Space is typically said to be a void, with “nothing” out there. That is practically correct as we may find one speck of dust in every four or so cubic yards. But, there is a lot of space out there and thus actually, a lot of dust. So what is the purpose of our article? Well dust reflects sun light and we can see this at times.
I’m going to tell you about the Zodiacal Light, the Zodiacal Band, and the Gegenschein. These are all different aspects of this dust reflection I have already mentioned.
First, the Zodiacal Light. This is a “triangle” of light seen both in the spring near the equinox about two hours after sunset or in the autumn, at the equinox about two hours before dawn. In this case, it’s often called false dawn and can fool people.
The third one, the Gegenshein is the other high in the sky aspect of dust reflection. It is said to be at the antisolar point – the point in the sky opposite the sun.
Both of these are “visible” to the naked eye. The Zodiacal Light is relatively easily visible, up from the horizon at the above mentioned times of year. The Gegenshein, a very soft spot of light, which is difficult to see.
The Zodiacal Band is a band which joins the first two we discussed. It is also a reflection of light from dust, but is not visible to the eye, and thus needs an optical aid, i.e. a telescope.
At this time, let’s wait for the two weeks after the first day of spring, go out in the evening after sunset, and see if we can see the Zodiacal Light.
So, what is in the sky this month.
Well, it’s a different sky this month.
Let’s look at our night sky first.
As the month begins, it’s all Venus. Venus came back into our night sky in December of 2019. By January first, it is prominent in the Southwest sky some 25 degrees above the horizon and climbing. At the end of the month it is now some 35 degrees above the horizon as the sun sets, and it will not set itself until 3.5 hours after sunset.
Mercury will appear low in the evening sky in the Southwest by Jan. 25. By month’s end, it will set about 70 minutes after sunset.
Now the morning. Mars is the only planet in the predawn sky as January begins. It will rise in the Southeast sky some three hours before sunrise. You will remember that Jupiter disappeared from our night sky in December. Well, it is returning, but to the morning sky. It will appear quite low in the East Southeast by Jan. 16.
The only other special mention this month is the Quadrantid Meteor Shower. Best watching will be the late night of Jan. 3, to before dawn on the 4. Meteor showers can always be seen all over the sky, but probably best direction will be East Northeast. Dress very warmly. We may expect to see up to 100 meteors per hour.
Full Moon is Friday, Jan. 10.
New Moon is Friday, Jan. 24.
That is it for another month.
Your Night Sky Guy,
Dr. Rolly Chiasson
