Happy New Year! Welcome to January. A whole year lies ahead of you, and one cannot help but reflect on 2024 while being excited about what the future might hold. This month is filled with optimism and new beginnings.
This month, we do celebrate some federal holidays, like New Year's Day (1st) and Dr. Martin Luther King Day (20th). Some other celebrations include National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day (1st), World Introvert Day (2nd), World Braille Day (4th), National Bubble Bath Day (8th), National Dress Up Your Pet Day (14th), International Hot and Spicy Food Day (16th), National Cheese Lover's Day (20th), National Compliment Day (24th), and National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day (27th). Be sure to enjoy some Hot Chocolate on the 31st, as it is National Hot Chocolate Day.
One of the biggest dates to remember this month is Tuesday, January 21st. This is the beginning of our Spring Semester here at Vol State. (And it's not too late to apply or register for classes.)
The first full moon of 2025, known as the Wolf Moon, is next week. Traditionally, this name comes from the wolves howling during the long, cold nights of January. However, this month offers more excitement for skywatchers.
January 2025 will feature meteor showers and planetary alignments. Four planets will be visible this month, in a rare astrological occurrence. Perhaps you will be able to spot Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter in the sky. Mars will be opposite of the sun from earth all month long so it will be shining the brightest of the four planets. These moments present great opportunities for stargazers to capture memorable sights in the night sky.
