Venus and crescent Moon dazzle stargazers across UK in rare celestial event

On the night of Friday January 3, 2025, people across the globe were treated to a rare and stunning celestial event as Venus appeared next to a crescent moon.

This alignment was visible in various locations, including the UK, the US, Turkey, and China.

Venus, often known as the “Evening Star,” is one of the brightest objects in the sky, making it stand out as the most prominent “star.”

The celestial event was reportedly visible in various locations across the UK, including Brighton, Hampshire, Whitebay, Darlington’s Ken Scar, County Durham, Teesside, and North Yorkshire.

The Quadrantids are visible in the UK from December 26 to January 12 with the Quadrantid meteor shower reaching its peak this weekend during the nights of January 3 and 4.

January 2025 is shaping up to be the month of celestial wonders. 

On January 16, Mars will reach opposition, a rare and exciting occurrence that makes the Red Planet more visible than ever before, as Earth aligns perfectly between Mars and the Sun, allowing observers to see it shining brightly in the night sky.

January 21 will offer the chance to witness five planets – Saturn, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars – lining up in the night sky after 9pm, according to the Royal Observatory Greenwich. 

Dr. Robert Massey, deputy director of the Royal Astronomical Society, recommended that stargazers seeking the best view of the celestial display should try to distance themselves from light pollution as much as possible.

Whether you’re an avid astronomer or a casual stargazer, January is the month to keep your eyes on the skies for these extraordinary cosmic displays.