The evening sky on January 30th will feature a striking alignment: a nearly full moon appearing close to the bright gas giant Jupiter. This pairing will be visible in the eastern sky at sunset, offering a spectacular view for stargazers.
What to Look For
Jupiter will appear as a bright, steady “evening star” positioned just under 5 degrees to the lower right of the moon. For reference, this distance is roughly the width of three fingers held at arm’s length. The bright stars Castor and Pollux will also be visible nearby, adding to the spectacle.
The moon itself will be 97% illuminated, appearing almost full to the casual observer. This is just two days before the official full moon phase on February 1st. Jupiter’s brightness is particularly notable this month, as it recently reached opposition on January 10th. Opposition occurs when a planet is opposite the sun in Earth’s sky, resulting in its clearest and brightest appearance of the year.
Enhanced Viewing Options
This celestial event is easily visible with the naked eye. However, binoculars (10X50 magnification recommended) will reveal details like the moon’s dark seas and impact craters. Look for bright “ejecta rays”—streaks of material ejected from ancient asteroid impacts—radiating from crater sites.
For more detailed observation, a telescope with at least a 6-inch aperture will showcase Jupiter’s cloud bands and its four largest moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto), lined up to the right of the planet’s disk.
Timing and Visibility
The moon and Jupiter will rise high in the sky throughout the night, eventually setting on the western horizon shortly before dawn on January 31st. This alignment provides a fleeting but beautiful opportunity to witness two of our solar system’s most prominent celestial bodies side by side.
This event is an accessible reminder of the dynamic nature of the night sky, offering a stunning visual display without requiring specialized equipment.
If you’re interested in further exploration, resources on telescopes and lunar observation are available to enhance your stargazing experience.
