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SKYLINE for JANUARY 2012
Compiled by the Noble Planetarium Staff
Keep your eyes on the sky this month for your chance to see some beautiful events.
Januarys’ full moon on January 9th is known as the ‘Full Wolf Moon’, ‘Snow Moon’, or ‘Old Moon’ according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
This month’s moon will be relatively close to us on January 17th. However the Moon’s closest approach to the Earth will not officially happen until May 6th, so make sure to mark it on your calendars.
Upcoming Sky Events
Make sure to stay up late on January 3rd, 2012 to watch the Quadrantids as they shower us from the northern sky. Best time to view this meteor shower will happen around 2 AM after the Moon has set below the horizon
What's happening in the Planetarium?
2012 Mayan Prophecies –
Is our fate foretold in the Mayan interlocking calendars? Will our lives really change in 2012? Revisit the sites and skies of the Maya with us.
Lasr Holidaze Show
Come celebrate the sounds and sights of the holidays in the Noble Planetarium. Enjoy vibrant laser light colors and your favorite holiday tunes like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Carol of the Bells. Happy Holidaze!
Stars of Winter
Travel with us as we explore the beauty of the Winter Skies!!
Planetary Postings
Mercury - is only visible the first full week of January just before sunrise.
Venus – will hang low on the western horizon this January, just after sunset. Remember to mark your 2012 calendars for a special event later this year involving this bright jewel.
On June 5th in our area, Venus will attempt a daring feat that is has done many times before. Starting around 5 PM, Venus will bravely pass across the Sun’s surface from our view here in the Dallas/Fort Worth/Denton area.
The last time we were able to see this happen was in 2004. This will be the last time the DFW area will see it until 2125. Remember to never look directly at the sun during these events.
Watch this video to find out more about solar viewing safety.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HSP-6dPqENs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7Q925aYJMKU#!
Mars – is visible below the constellation of Leo the Lion this month. It will then slide over to the constellation of Virgo as we start into February.
Jupiter – is once again the bright jewel in our sky, only rivaled in brightness by the star Sirius. You will find Jupiter in the west in the constellation of Pisces.
Saturn – is the favorite planet for our early morning viewers this month. Rising around 2 AM in the constellation of Virgo, Saturn will be a great thing to look at, especially if you received a telescope or pair of binoculars for Christmas.
Lunar Line-up:
First Quarter: January 1
Full Moon: January 9
Last Quarter: January 17
New Moon: January 23
First Quarter: January 30
Star Parties
Dates for 2012:
March 3 | April 14 | May 12 | June 9 | July 7 | August 11 | Sept 8 | Oct 6 "Stars over Euless" | Nov 10
If you would like a fun way to navigate the night sky just go to: http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/starclock/skywheel.html
Uncle Al provides free and easy to use star wheels that you can download and print at home.
For more information about the night sky, contact the Noble Planetarium at 817-255-9409 or planet@fwmsh.org
