Stargazers are in for a treat tonight
Stargazers are in for a treat tonight
There are expected to be some spectacular celestial events taking place tonight. Stargazers are in for a treat as a rare comet may be visible and the first full moon of the year will dazzle the night sky.
The first full Moon of the new year rose just before 5.30pm on Monday and is forecast to be visible through to Wednesday morning. The moon appears alongside the planet Mars which will reach peak visibility for the first time in more than two years.
Unfortunately, cloudy conditions are expected for many parts of the UK, which is likely to obscure the view of this celestial show at times. The planet Mars and the moon will get closer throughout the night as they climb higher in the sky together. The moon will reach its peak fullness at 10.28pm tonight.
The ‘Wolf Moon’ is the name given to the full Moon in January. Every month witnesses a full moon which all have a different name. Skyatnightmagazine.com address the reason for January’s nickname, stating: “The Wolf Moon, the story goes, is so-called because wolves don’t hibernate in winter, and are very much active during January.
“Perhaps the sound of wolves howling on the night of a full Moon, while many other animals were still slumbering, is what led to the nickname being adopted.” The ‘Wolf Moon’ was coined in the 1930s by The Maine Farmers’ Almanac after wolf cries were heard in the depths of winter.
Officially named G3 ATLAS (C/2024), an extremely rare comet is expected to join the night showcase this evening as the brightest in nearly 20 years, this will make it as easy to spot as the planet Venus.
Previously, the comet has only been visible to those in the Southern Hemisphere but as the Atlas comet makes its way back towards the sun observers north of the equator may be in with the chance of a rare glimpse.
