2017 Week 1: (January 1-7)

The first week of January 2017 has some interesting sights in the sky.  However, the weather forecast likely removes the possibility of seeing a lot of them.

Date	Event
Jan 1	Mars/Neptune Conjunction, 1' separation
Jan 1	ζPsc 0.6° East of Uranus
Jan 2	Venus 1.9° South of Moon
Jan 2	Neptune 0.4° South of Moon
Jan 3	Mars 0.2° South of Moon
Jan 3 08:00	Quadrantid Peak
Jan 4	Earth at Perihelion
Jan 5	Moon at First Quarter
Jan 5	Uranus 3° North of Moon
Jan 7	Pluto/Sun Conjunction

The Quadrantids are a high rate, low time frame meteor shower.  As shown in the image below the radiant point is just below the Big Dipper asterism handle.  They are typically fine meteors with a peak of approximately 120 per hour.  The peak lasts for about 8 hours.  In Calgary the best time to see them will be just before dawn on the 3rd of January.  However, still try to look for them in the evening before going to bed if the skies are clear.  You will need a clear view of the E/NE sky.  Residents on the east side of the city will have better luck due to lower amounts of light pollution.

Quadrantid Radiant Point 06:37 January 3, 2017 - Calgary, AB

For a printable map for Calgary at 06:37 January 3, 2017 please download the following PDF:

Quadrantid Map

For more information please see:

http://www.universetoday.com/132672/start-year-spark-see-quadrantid-meteor-shower/