Ural Federal University Scientists Specify Rare Astronomical Phenomena Of January

In January, all the brightest celestial bodies in the sky can be seen simultaneously by residents of the Urals and Perm. They can be observed even with the naked eye. Vladilen Sanakoev, Engineer at the UrFU Training Astronomical Observatory, told URA.RU about it.

“In January 2023, all the brightest celestial bodies in the sky can be seen simultaneously: Venus – the fourth magnitude star, Mars, Jupiter, International Space Station and the brightest star Sirius. This phenomenon will be observed from January 22 to 24,” told Sanakoev.

The scientist specified that Venus will be seen better and brighter each day of January in the evenings in the southwestern part of the sky low above the horizon. On January 22, it will approach Saturn at a distance of less than one lunar disk. On the 23rd, they will be joined by the thin Moon, the brightest object in the night sky. The beautiful composition can be observed with or without small binoculars.

“The brightest phenomenon will occur on January 24 from 19:25 to 19:28 local time, when the International Space Station will pass close to Venus, Saturn, the Moon, Jupiter and will move into the shadow of Earth as it approaches Mars,” the astronomer pointed out.

He added that winter appearances of the ISS are very short and difficult to observe. Ural residents will only have access to a brief evening visibility period from 20 to 29 January.