Comet NEOWISE or C/2020 F3, with its two tails visible, is seen in the sky above Goldfield, Nevada … [+]
Each Monday I pick out the northern hemisphere’s celestial highlights (mid-northern latitudes) for the week ahead, but be sure to check my main feed for more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses and more.
What To See In The Night Sky This Week: January 30-February 5, 2023
With the possibility of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) becoming a naked-eye object and a full moon occulting the red planet Mars it’s arguably one of the most interesting weeks of 2023 so far, sky-wise. The sight of a comet and a planetary disappearance (though only for some) is also joined by the second full moon of winter and the planet Mercury becoming visible in the predawn sky.
However, don’t forget to observe Venus, which is now shining very brightly in the western sky right after sunset. Venus observing aside, get ready for some early mornings and late evenings, stargazers!
Monday, January 30, 2023: Moon near Mars and Pleiades
Monday, January 30, 2023: Moon near Mars
Look high in the southwestern sky tonight and you’ll see a 72%-lit waxing gibbous moon alongside reddish Mars. Slightly to its side will be the sparkling open cluster of stars called the Pleiades or “Seven Sisters.” However, if you live in some southern US states or central America then you will also see the weird sight of the moon occulting the red planet, though only its disappearance—it will reappear only for those in the Pacific region.
Tuesday, January 31, 2023: Mercury in the morning
Today sees Mercury at its Greatest Western Elongation, the point when the innermost planet in the solar system reaches its farthest from the sun from our point of view. Use binoculars to find it in low in the southeastern sky just before sunrise. It will actually be visible slightly higher in the sky on Wednesday and Thursday.
Wednesday, February 1, 2023: A comet at its brightest?
Wednesday, February 1, 2023: A comet at its brightest?
In theory, tonight should see comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) at its brightest simply because it will be closest to Earth. It should be visible through binoculars and small telescopes and, just maybe, with the naked eye—though likely only under very dark skies.
Sunday, February 5, 2023: Snow Moon
At 18:29 UTC today our natural satellite in space reaches its full phase. It will be best viewed at moonrise where you are tonight when it will appear on the eastern horizon in a blaze of orange.
Once it’s risen and darkness creeps up have a look close at Capella, the brightest star in the constellation Auriga, for comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF).
Cassiopeia constellation, vector illustration with the names of basic stars against the starry sky
Constellation of the week: Cassiopeia
This constellation is located near the North Star and is visible throughout the year in the northern hemisphere. It is represented by a “W” shaped pattern of stars and is easily identifiable by its distinctive shape. Cassiopeia is named after the queen of Ethiopia in Greek mythology and is located in the direction opposite the Big Dipper, which is part of the constellation Ursa Major.
Messier 52, also known as NGC 7654, is an open cluster in the Cassiopeia constellation.
Object of the week: M52
An open cluster of stars in the northern part of the constellation of mCassipoei, M52 is about 5,000 light-years from Earth. It’s visible to the naked eye under dark-sky conditions as a small, diffuse patch of light, though it’s best observed through binoculars.
Times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information consult online planetariums like Stellarium and The Sky Live. Check planet-rise/planet-set, sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset times for where you are.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
