Hello, Happy New Stargazing Year, and welcome to 'Sky Watch' for January!

Along with 2025, the first quarter of the 21st century has gone. Where does all that time go? Take a deep breath when you realise we're now nearer to 2050 than we've come from 2001!

So, speaking of time passing, have you ever wondered what the oldest planet in our Solar System is? Discover this and more in Sky Watch.

Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During December, the first eclipse occurs during the evening of the 3rd and the evening of the 4th sees the third in a sequence of 3 ‘Supermoons’. Traditionally known as the ‘Moon before Yule,’ this will be the last Full Moon of the year.

Discover more in Sky Watch, every month on Shine Radio.

Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month, look to the Petersphere skies to see the lovely Pleiades star cluster, the most famous in the whole night sky. Known in folklore as the ‘Seven Sisters,’ the Pleiades were of great significance to ancient civilisations and prehistoric cultures across the world. The Pleiades are part of the constellation of Taurus the Bull, ideally placed for observation from the Petersphere in November.

Bonfire Night on the 5th will be illuminated by another ‘Supermoon’, the second in a sequence of three this Autumn. Our nearest neighbour in space won’t really look any bigger but will be significantly brighter to illuminate any firework displays!

Listen to this month's Sky Watch and discover the wonders of our dark skies in the Petersphere.

Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and presented by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.