Sunrise Sunset

Fri., Jan. 8 7:08 4:28

Sat., Jan. 9 7:08 4:29

Sun., Jan. 10 7:08 4:30

Mon., Jan. 11 7:07 4:31

Tues., Jan. 12 7:07 4:32

Wed., Jan. 13 7:07 4:33

Thurs., Jan. 14 7:06 4:34

Fri., Jan. 15 7:06 4:35

This is the month to look for Mars. The bright red planet rises in the east sky about two hours after sunset. Mars is best viewed when it is higher in the east, after 9 p.m. and it is the brightest celestial object in the east. Its reddish color gives it away.

Mars will be closest to the Earth at the end of the month, but the view is ideal now. Whether you look at Mars tonight or later in February, Mars’s brightness varies imperceptibly.

For those with a telescope, the planet appears as a tiny disk against a star-filled background. For those who watched the planet when it was last in opposition, two years ago, there is a slight disappointment. Mars is neither as close nor as bright.

Still, the planet is a pretty sight no matter what kind of optics are available. Astronomers estimate Mars is 63 million miles away.

Mars is in the zodiacal constellation Virgo, east of the constellation Cancer.

Jupiter

The largest planet in our solar system hangs low in the southwestern sky after sunset and appears in the light of twilight. Jupiter is the brightest visible planet in our sky this month; however its prominence is slipping away.

By the end of this month, Jupiter will be too close to the glare of the sun to be visible. But by then, a new planet arrives in our western sky — Venus.

M.A.L.