Red Planet, Beehive Cluster, Wolf Moon
Mars comes to opposition with the sun on Friday, January 29, meaning that it appears opposite (180 degrees from) the sun in the sky. The "Red Planet," which looks like a reddish or rusty-colored, bright pinpoint to the naked eye, …
Exceptionally High and Low Tides
Extreme tides are set to occur on several days during the end of January. These tides coincide with the full moon (January 29). A peak high tide of +6.5 feet occurs on Thursday, January 28 at 7:07am. Friday's high tide …
Ceanothus and Acacias
Ceanothus, or wild lilac, normally a late winter or early spring blooming native plant, should begin blossoming this month in some spots (Mission Trails Regional Park for one) around coastal and inland San Diego County. This is due to the …
Rain Means Waterfalls
San Diego County's Waterfalls, already swollen with runoff and snowmelt from recent storms, should be at their very best during the next month or two. Three of the most accessible are: Green Valley Falls at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park; the …
Winter Constellations and a Waxing Crescent Moon
The Glittery, Bright "Winter Constellations" of Orion, Taurus, Auriga, Gemini, Canis Major, and Canis Minor are best seen during early evening hours in January and February. The last week of January, however, won't be so good for observing these stars …
Rain Likely to Occur
Highest Monthly Rainfall Totals in San Diego are most likely to occur in January and February (about 1.9 inches each on average) according to weather-service statistics. If low temperatures accompany the typical Pacific storms of this period, there's a chance …
Latest Sunrise of the Year
The latest sunrise of 2010 (on standard, not daylight time) occurs Sunday, January 10, near 6:52 a.m. for most of metropolitan San Diego. Slowly at first, then more rapidly in the weeks to come, sunrise will arrive earlier with each …
Where's Venus These Days?
Venus is nowhere to be seen, and for good reason. Venus is currently at superior conjunction, which means that it lies on the far side of the sun and is hidden in the sun's glaring light. Venus will make it …
San Diego's Lowest Temperatures
Recent Chilly Days and Nights only confirm that San Diego's lowest temperatures (according to more than a century of weather records) tend to occur during the month of January. January's mean temperature at Lindbergh Field is about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. …
Gray Whale Migration
Gray whale migration off San Diego County's coast peaks this month. The best view spots from land are high points close to the surf. Aside from the whale watching overlook at Cabrillo National Monument, try Sunset Cliffs, the vest-pocket parks …