This week, the night sky features an enchanting display. After sunset, look west to see Venus and Mars closely aligned. Jupiter shines prominently in the southern sky, while Saturn is visible low on the eastern horizon.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the crescent moon will join the scene near Venus.

Look for Orion with its recognizable belt of three stars. Follow this belt southeast to find Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, and don’t miss Aldebaran, the fiery orange star marking the eye of Taurus the Bull. Look for the Pleiades above Aldebaran. https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/

This week’s weather features mild temperatures and a mix of sunshine and clouds.

- **Sunday**: High of 57°F, low of 35°F with fog overnight.

- **Monday**: High of 59°F, low of 35°F.

- **Tuesday**: High of 58°F, low near 35°F.

- **Wednesday**: High near 60°F, low of 36°F.

- **Thursday**: High of 62°F, low of 38°F.

- **Friday**: High of 61°F, low of 38°F.

- **Saturday**: High of 57°F, low of 39°F.

Overall, expect a mild week with cool nights. https://www.kcra.com/weather

Skiing enthusiasts are drawn to resorts with heavy snowfall, but ranking the snowiest areas is complex. Measurement practices vary, with some resorts potentially inflating their totals. Mount Baker in Washington holds the record for the most snow in the U.S., while areas like Easy Pass and Paradise also rank high. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean contributes to the heavy snowfall in Washington and Oregon, while East Coast mountains, such as Mount Washington, generally receive less. This interplay of geography and measurement creates a nuanced picture of snowfall across the nation. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/12/28/snowiest-places-in-usa-include-these-mountains/77259551007/

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