January is an ideal month for stargazing, particularly on a crisp, clear night. Throughout the month, anyone, not just, stargazers, can observe prominent winter constellations such as Orion, Taurus, and Gemini, alongside some of the brightest stars in the night sky. In fact in and around 25 January we have a “planet parade” where we have 5 planets aligning and will be visible to the naked eye. So keep an eye out for Venus, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and if we’re super lucky Mercury.
That said, stargazing in January can come with its challenges. Unpredictable weather and cold temperatures can make venturing out more demanding. However, with the right preparation, it’s a great time to gaze at the cosmos.
As part of their latest campaign exploring the UK’s top stargazing spots, the experts at Select Van Leasing have compiled practical tips to help you make the most of this stellar season:
1. Avoid light-polluted areas
“To get the best view of a starry sky this month, steer clear of towns or city centres and head to a location free from light pollution. Rural areas or dark sky parks are ideal as they offer clear and unobstructed views of the night sky.
“Our stargazing report revealed that Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) is the best place to stargaze in the UK, followed by Cairngorms National Park, and Northumberland National Park. If you are in or around these areas, you should have a pretty good chance of witnessing the meteor shower.”
2. Plan your route in advance
“If you’re heading to a remote or rural area, it’s important to plan your route in advance, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Check for any road closures or weather-related disruptions, especially if snow or ice is expected, to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
“Additionally, remote areas often have limited signal, so it’s a good idea to inform friends or family of your route. Plan ahead to ensure they know when to check in with you during or after the event.”
3. Check the weather forecast
“It may seem obvious, but clear skies are crucial for stargazing. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out, as cloud cover can block your view of the meteors. Ideally, aim for a time with minimal cloud cover and little to no moonlight, as the brightness of the moon can wash out the light of the stars.”
4. Check your vehicle’s winter readiness
“Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is ready for winter conditions by checking that your tyres are in good condition, and make sure your windscreen wipers, de-icer, and headlights are working properly.
5. Arrive early
“It can take up to 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to low-light conditions, so make sure you arrive in good time to give your eyes a chance to adapt to the darkness.”
6. Wear warm layers
“January is typically one of the coldest months of the year, so it’s essential to wear plenty of warm layers. Consider preparing hot drinks to take along with you as an extra way to stay warm.”
7. Stock your vehicle with winter supplies
“As with any nighttime winter road trip, make sure to keep an emergency kit in your car, including extra blankets and warm clothing, a torch, bottled water, snacks, and phone charging equipment.
8. Take something to sit on
“If you’re planning to stay for a while, bring blankets, cushions, and camp chairs to sit on while stargazing. This will help avoid straining your neck while looking up at the sky and allow you to comfortably gaze upwards for long periods without discomfort.”
9. Use a star map or stargazing apps
“To make the most of the experience, use a star map or stargazing app to help you identify constellations and other celestial objects near the Quadrantid meteor shower. These tools also make it easier to locate the best areas of the sky for observing meteors. Some recommended apps include: Star Walk, SkySafari 7 Pro, Sky Tonight, and Heavens-Above Pro.”
10. Use car parking areas to stargaze
“Many people may not realise that a lot of car parks in rural areas are actually recommended stargazing locations, thanks to their minimal light pollution and spacious, open settings. This makes them ideal for those driving to a designated spot, as you won’t have to venture far from your vehicle to enjoy a perfect view of the sky.”
