The Proprietor Review

Upcoming:

Since we are already halfway through the month, the first half’s events like the Quadrantids and Jupiter’s official opposition have passed. Here are four significant astronomical events occurring after January 16, 2026, that offer great scientific intrigue and visual appeal.

1. New Moon “Dark Sky” Window (January 18)

On January 18, the Moon reaches its New Moon phase, meaning it will be positioned between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. * Scientific Value: For astronomers, the days surrounding a New Moon are the most critical for “deep-sky” observation. Without the interference of reflected moonlight (light pollution from space), faint objects like the Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula become visible even through standard binoculars. * What to look for: This is the best time to head to a dark-sky location to see the Milky Way’s winter arm in its full, dusty detail.

2. Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) Perihelion (January 20)

Comet Wierzchos reaches its perihelion (closest approach to the Sun) on January 20. As it swings around the Sun, the heat causes the comet’s ice to sublimate, creating a glowing “coma” and a tail of dust and gas. * Intrigue: Comets are essentially “time capsules” of the early solar system. While this specific comet is expected to be around magnitude 8 (requiring a small telescope or good binoculars), its appearance provides a real-time look at primitive solar system material. * Viewing Tip: Look low toward the southwest horizon shortly after sunset.

3. Conjunction of the Moon, Saturn, and Neptune (January 22–23)

On these two evenings, a thin, waxing crescent Moon will drift remarkably close to the ringed planet Saturn and the distant ice giant Neptune. * Scientific Value: These alignments (conjunctions) are perfect for “star-hopping.” Neptune is usually incredibly difficult to find because of its distance and dimness. On January 23, Saturn and the Moon act as celestial signposts, allowing amateur astronomers to point their telescopes at the exact spot needed to glimpse the tiny, blue-hued disk of the solar system’s outermost major planet.

* Visual: The “Earthshine” effect—where the dark part of the Moon is dimly lit by sunlight reflecting off Earth—will be particularly beautiful on these nights.

4. First Quarter Moon & The Pleiades (January 25–27)

As the month closes, the Moon will reach its First Quarter phase on January 25, moving steadily toward the famous Pleiades (Seven Sisters) star cluster. * Scientific Intrigue: This is a “high-contrast” period. The shadows along the Moon’s terminator line (the line between light and dark) are at their longest, making it the best time to see the staggering vertical relief of lunar mountains and the deep bowls of craters like Copernicus. * The Highlight: On the night of January 27, the Moon will appear very close to the Pleiades. This provides a stunning scale comparison between our singular, rocky Moon and a “nursery” of hundreds of young, hot-blue stars located 444 light-years away.

Would you like me to find the exact coordinates for Neptune during the January 23rd conjunction, or perhaps a guide on how to spot the Orion Nebula during the New Moon?Ai