The Venus Moon duo and the Quadrantids meteors impress stargazers

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The Venus Moon duo and the Quadrantids meteors impress stargazers

PA Media In the UK's Whitley Bay, a bright crescent moon shines with Venus to the right. — In the UK's Whitley Bay, the crescent Moon shines with Venus to the right.

Astronomers around the world were treated to a spectacular celestial event on Friday as Venus appeared to shine brightly above the brilliant Moon.

The planet was visible with the naked eye from the UK to the US, Turkey and China.

Venus is often called the Evening Star or the Morning Star because, when it is prominent, it appears as the brightest “star” in the sky.

A lot of astrological fun is expected this new year, as January 2025 will be a good month to see both Venus and Saturn. Be sure to look up in the sky on January 18th, as those planets will appear 2.2° apart.

The crescent moon and planet Venus cross over the Quebec Baptist Church in Ellaville, Georgia.

Reuters The crescent moon and planet Venus cross over the Quebec Baptist Church in Ellaville, Georgia. — The crescent moon and planet Venus cross over the Quebec Baptist Church in Ellaville, Georgia.

In the Turkish capital Ankara the Moon and Venus are visible together near the Kocatepe Mosque

Getty In the Turkish capital Ankara the moon and Venus are seen together near the Kocatepe Mosque — In the Turkish capital Ankara the Moon and Venus are visible together near the Kocatepe Mosque

Stargazers may also be able to see shooting stars burning in the sky, such as Quadrantid meteor shower it continues.

The shower, which is expected to intensify on Saturday, has been visible since December 26 and will continue until January 12.

Dr Robert Massey, deputy director of the Royal Astronomical Society in the UK, said observers hoping to watch the fireworks after sunset would need to be “as far away from light pollution as possible”.

“If you have time to look and the weather is nice, look because it's a great New Year's meal.”