The new year brings a celestial double feature to the skies over the UAE. Residents can marvel at a planet parade and the year’s largest full moon, the ‘wolf’ moon, this January.
A planet parade, a lineup of planets from our solar system, will be a visible spectacle on January 10 and 23. Sarath Raj from Amity University Dubai explains that on January 10, before sunrise, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible in the southeast sky. On January 23, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will form an eye-catching trio at night.
Experts suggest finding a dark location with an unobstructed view of the horizon for the best experience. The rarity of this event lies in the visibility of all these planets together on the same night.
Mohamad Shawkat Odeh of the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomy Centre notes in a Khaleej Times report that Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will all be visible. The highlight is their simultaneous visibility, a rare occurrence given their different orbital paths around the Sun.
Telescopes can enhance the viewing experience, particularly for Mercury and Mars, but the planets will be visible to the naked eye. This event is part of the dynamic and ever-changing canvas of the night sky.
In addition to the planet parade, the ‘wolf moon’ will grace the sky on January 25. It’s the largest full moon of 2024, appearing 14% larger than average. This full moon, traditionally called the ‘wolf moon’, marks the harshness of winter in many parts of the world. According to Raj, the moon will be visible from 5:30 pm on January 25, offering a stunning view of its surface features even without telescopic aid.