PLANETS IN JANUARY

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29401, 31 December 1960, Page 15

PLANETS IN JANUARY

[By C. S.L. KEAY, Physics Department, University of Canterbury} Although the “evening star,” Venus, continues to be the brightest planet in the evening sky. attention is now being drawn to Mars, which is located low in the north-east immediately after sunset. Mars is now at its greatest brilliance, being surpassed only by Venus, in the west, and the star, Sirius, high in the eastern sky. The deep red colour of Mars makes it almost unmistakeable. I say “almost” because somewhat higher in the sky, at the bottom of the constellation Orion (the “pot” to mbst New Zealanders) is the red-giant star Betelgeuse. Mars is at present about three times as bright as Betelgeuse, so they should not be confused. During January, Mars will fade noticeably. Apart from T>ars and Venus there are no other planets worth searching for. By the end of the month. Mercury will be setting three-quarters of an hour after the sun. but will be hidden from view in the glare of early twilight. Jupiter and Saturn are now too close to the sun to be visible, but by the end of January. Jupiter will be rising two and a half hours before the sun and can be located low in the early morning sky between east and south-east. As a guide for those wishing to follow the movements of the planets, the following times apply on the dates shown in brackets. Venus sets: 10.39 p.m. (January 1), 10.14 pun. (January 16). and 9.42 pun. (January 31). Mars due north; 12.22 a.m. (January 2), 11 p.m. (January 16), and 9.49 p.m. (January 31). Jupiter rises: 4.34 a.m. (January 16) and 3.51 a.m. (January 31). Rocket Time January 13 (a Friday!) is an important date for astronautics. It is the most favourable day for launching a rocket to travel to Venus, although conditions are almost as good for about two or three weeks either side of that date. It will be a pity if neither side makes use of this opportunity to investigate. Venus more closely, because there will be only six more occasions within the next 10 years when conditions will be favourable. The next favourable period will be in August, 1962. If the manned exploration of our solar system is to proceed on schedule, it is vital that these few opportunities for reconnaissance be put to good