January 1, 2021: Jupiter and Saturn are becoming more difficult to see as Jupiter opens a 1.2° gap after their Great Conjunction on the winter solstice. Look early after sunset. Find Mars high in the southeast.
Month: December 2020
2021, January: Mars Parades Eastward
After the October 2020 Mars opposition, Earth pulls away from Mars. The Red Planet appears to move farther eastward compared to the starry background, and dims as the distance to the planet grows.
2021, January 1: Morning Star Venus Low in Southeast
January 1, 2021: Brilliant Morning Planet Venus is low in the southeast before sunrise. The moon is in the west between Regulus and Pollux.
2021, January: Venus Fades From Morning Sky
Brilliant Morning Star Venus was visible for the second half of last year in the morning sky. As 2021 opens, the planet is slowly slipping into the sun’s bright twilight.
2021: The Evening Sky
During the year, most the activity of the bright planets occurs in the evening sky. Mercury makes three evening appearances. During the first, it passes Jupiter and Saturn after the Great Conjunction. Venus appears in the western, although it sets before the end of twilight until later in the year. The brilliant planet has conjunctions with Mercury and Mars.
2021: The Morning Sky
During 2021 the morning sky has limited planetary activity.
2020, December 31: The Great Conjunction Split
December 31, 2020: The gap from Jupiter to Saturn continues to widen. Find the planets for a short time low in the southwest after sunset before they set. Farther eastward Mars marches eastward in Pisces. The moon appears low in the east later during evening hours.
2020, December 30: Jupiter Opens Wider Gap to Saturn
December 30, 2020: Nearly 10 evenings after their Great Conjunction, Jupiter opens a gap to Saturn that is 1.0°. Look for the two planets low in the southwest after sunset. The star Castor rises at sunset. As the sky darkens, Mars is high in the southeast in front of the stars of Pisces.
2020, December 29: Jupiter, Saturn in Southwest
December 29, 2020: Bright Jupiter is to the upper left of Saturn as night falls. Spot them as night falls. The bright moon is low in the east-northeast. Mars continues its eastward march through Pisces.
2020, December 28: Jupiter Dances Away From Saturn
December 28, 2020: The gap between Jupiter and Saturn widens a week after the Great Conjunction. Look for the planetary duo in the southwest after sunset. Mars is high in the southeast during the early evening. The bright moon is caught between the horns of the Bull.