Dwarf Comparison
Three dwarf planets are shown to scale with Earth and the Moon in this artist's concept. Eris (left) and Pluto (bottom, with its largest moon, Charon) are the largest known objects in the Kuiper Belt, which is beyond the orbit of Neptune. [NASA]
Stargazing Summary
This is a month for planets. All five of the planets that are easily visible to the unaided eye put in good appearances. Mercury is at its best for the year, not just because it's bright but because it pairs up with Venus, the Evening Star, for several nights. Mars looks down on them. Jupiter is in view for most of the night, while Saturn climbs higher into the morning sky.
Radio Program Highlights
If you want to start hearing the StarDate program in your area, you can request a station to carry our program by emailing the request to stations@stardate.org.
January 1-4: Early Shower. The year’s first meteor shower is coming up this week, and we’ll have details. We’ll also talk about the Moon’s motion across the night sky, and Earth’s motion around the Sun. Join us for these stories and much more.
January 5-11: The Little Guys. The solar system has five “official” dwarf planets, plus a long list of candidates that might soon join the list. We’ll talk about these worlds, plus missions to explore two of them. Join us for dwarf planets and more.
January 12-18: Icy Touchdown. One of the most daring space missions yet parachuted down to the surface of Saturn’s biggest moon 10 years ago, and we’ll have details. We’ll also talk about Saturn itself and much more.
January 19-25: Moon Meanderings. The Moon passes some bright lights in the evening sky this week, including Mars and the brilliant “evening star.” Join us for this, plus binary planets, asteroids that get in the way of stars, and much more.
January 26-31: Going Underground. Most astronomical observations are made from high above the surface — from mountaintops, airplanes, and spacecraft. But some are made from far below the surface, and we’ll have details.
January program schedule »
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This Month in StarDate Magazine
The new year brings you our Sky Almanac 2015. This special 32-page issue delivers skywatching tips, anniversaries in astronomy and spaceflight, and more for each month, as well as the scoop on the year's meteor showers and eclipses.
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About SkyTips
SkyTips is a monthly email newsletter for visitors to McDonald Observatory and StarDate Online. Each issue features stargazing highlights, upcoming StarDate radio program descriptions, and other news. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and family.
SkyTips is a publication of the University of Texas McDonald Observatory Education and Outreach Office, 2609 University Ave. A2100, Austin, TX 78712. Reproduction of SkyTips content is permitted with proper credit given to McDonald Observatory.
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