Winter often brings clear skies, making January a great time for stargazing. This month, you can see a lineup of planets, the Quadrantid meteor shower, and a full moon that will cover Mars. You will also catch the brightest views of Mars all year. Here’s your calendar for the month. https://weather.com/science/space/video/january-night-sky-stargazing-astronomy

This week is expected to feature mostly sunny weather, with daytime highs ranging from 56°F to 63°F. Strong north-northwest winds are predicted for Saturday, bringing nighttime temperatures down to around 41°F. Sunday will remain sunny, with temperatures reaching about 61°F.

Mild temperatures are expected to continue into the week, with highs around 58°F and nighttime lows in the mid-30s. Next Saturday will bring a mix of sun and clouds. Overall, enjoy pleasant weather throughout the week. https://www.kcra.com/weather

This week will be great for stargazing, featuring several celestial highlights. Jupiter will shine prominently in the southwest shortly after sunset, with Venus visible in the western sky. The Moon will transition from its last quarter phase to a waning crescent.

Prominent winter constellations like Orion, Taurus, and Gemini will be visible, and while the peak of the Quadrantids meteor shower has passed, a few meteors may still be seen. Those with telescopes can enjoy views of the Orion Nebula and the Pleiades star cluster. Check local conditions and light pollution for the best experience! https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/

In 2025, stargazers can enjoy several astronomical events. Highlights include Mars opposition on January 16, a total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, and meteor showers peaking in April and May. The summer months will be ideal for viewing the Milky Way, especially around new moons. Notable events in August include a conjunction of Jupiter and Venus, followed by the Perseid meteor shower. Saturn’s opposition on September 21 and the Super Harvest Moon on October 6-7 will also captivate observers, culminating in the Geminid meteor shower’s peak on December 13-14. https://www.accuweather.com/en/space-news/11-must-see-astronomy-events-in-2025/1726769

This week is excellent for stargazing as the moon approaches fullness.

- **Jan 5**: Spot the Little Dipper near Polaris.

- **Jan 6**: First Quarter Moon at 6:56 p.m. with the Great Square of Pegasus nearby.

- **Jan 7**: The Andromeda-Pegasus complex will be visible; Algol dims at 8:31 p.m.

- **Jan 8**: Northern Cross in Cygnus appears in the west.

- **Jan 9**: Moon will occult stars in the Pleiades.

- **Jan 10**: Moon aligns with Jupiter and Aldebaran.

- **Jan 11**: Moon forms a triangle with Beta and Zeta Tauri.

Enjoy the celestial events this week! https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/this-weeks-sky-at-a-glance-january-3-12/

This week's weather includes partly cloudy skies on Sunday and Monday, both reaching highs of 57°F. Tuesday will be sunny with a high of 64°F. Wednesday and Thursday will also be partly to mostly sunny, around 61°F. Friday remains sunny, while Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high of 62°F. Nighttime lows will range from 40°F to 45°F, and winds will generally be light. https://www.kcra.com/weather

The Japanese New Year (正月, Shōgatsu) is celebrated on January 1, following the Gregorian calendar adopted in 1873. Traditional foods include osechi-ryōri, a variety of preserved dishes, and ozōni, a soup with mochi. On New Year’s Eve, people enjoy toshikoshi soba. Mochi is used to make kagami mochi, a decorative stack symbolizing good fortune.

At midnight on December 31, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times to signify the clearing of worldly desires. Another custom is sending nengajō, New Year cards with well wishes, to loved ones for delivery on January 1. These traditions emphasize family and renewal as the new year begins. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_New_Year

From December 29, 2025, to January 4, 2025, the night sky will feature planets like Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, with the Quadrantid meteor shower peaking on January 4. Winter constellations and bright stars like Betelgeuse and Sirius will be visible, along with a waxing gibbous Moon. Check local conditions for optimal skywatching. https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/

During the period from December 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025, Lodi, California, is expected to experience mild winter weather conditions. Throughout this week, temperatures will likely range from lows in the mid-40s Fahrenheit at night to highs in the upper 50s to low 60s during the day. Skies are predicted to be partly cloudy, with a chance of light rain primarily at the beginning of the week. Winds are expected to be light to moderate, providing a calm, cool atmosphere typical of this time of year in Lodi. https://www.kcra.com/weather

The week ahead will be mostly cloudy and rainy. Sunday features afternoon showers with a high of 60°F. Monday and Tuesday will see more rain, with highs around 63°F and 60°F, respectively. Wednesday brings some sun before more clouds and a high of 58°F. Expect rain again on Thursday and Friday, with highs in the mid to upper 50s. Saturday remains cloudy with possible rain. Overall, prepare for a wet Christmas week! https://www.kcra.com/weather