Residents and sky enthusiasts in the UAE are in for a celestial treat this January as a series of astronomical events light up the night sky. A visible ‘planet parade’ is set to occur, offering a rare opportunity to witness multiple planets aligning.
On January 23, 2024, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be observable with the naked eye. This unique alignment, explained by Mohamad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomy Centre, occurs due to the planets’ orbits around the Sun. He notes that such alignments aren’t uncommon but are fascinating due to the simultaneous visibility of these planets in a single night.
Venus, known as the brightest celestial body after the Sun and Moon, will be visible before sunrise, along with Mercury and Mars. Post-sunset, Jupiter and Saturn will join the display. Odeh suggests that the use of telescopes could enhance the viewing experience, revealing more details on the planets’ surfaces.
In addition to the alignment on January 23, early risers on January 10 can witness a quartet of planets – Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn – in the southeast sky before sunrise, as noted by Sarath Raj, Project Director at Amity Dubai Satellite Ground Station and AmiSat Amity University Dubai. This visual spectacle will remain visible until sunrise, with Venus and Jupiter being particularly prominent.
To best observe these planetary alignments, experts recommend finding a dark location with a clear view of the east/southeast horizon on January 10 or south on January 23.
Alongside the planet parade, the night of January 25 will feature the ‘wolf moon,’ the largest full moon of the year. Appearing up to 14 percent larger than usual, this full moon, also known as the ice moon or cold moon, symbolizes the winter season’s severity in various world regions. It will be visible from 17:30, reaching its highest point at 00:40, and setting at 07:05 in the Asia/Dubai time zone.
These astronomical events provide a unique opportunity for sky gazers in the UAE to witness the wonders of the cosmos, reminding us of the ever-changing beauty of our night sky.
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