The largest planet in our Solar System rides high overhead these winter nights. Observed since ancient times Jupiter has been a source of both myth and controversy, as when Galileo discovered moons in orbit around the great planet.

2013 January Skies

The Moon begins the year having just passed through full phase in late December. Lunar phases after full are seldom seen, since you have to wait up until well after sunset to see them. Considering that the Moon moves eastward 12.2 degrees per day, rising later and later, it appears about 22:30 on January 1, and after 1:00 by the 4th. Of course, it is then easily seen in the daytime sky. Watch as it brushes by the star Spica on the 5th, almost touching Venus in the early morning of the 10th, and, as an evening object, sharing the western sky with Mars. In the afternoon of January 21, Jupiter and the Moon rise together. This would be a good chance to spot the giant planet in the daytime, with the Moon as a guide, when Jupiter will be less than 2 degrees to the east. By 21:30, the Moon will be right below Jupiter, among the stars of Orion, the Hyades, and the Pleiades. The Moon is full on the 26th.
Mercury is too close to the Sun for viewing.