In England during the Middle Ages 25 December was taken as the start of the year. In the late 12th century the start of the year was shifted by nine months to 25 March. The official start of the year only became the familiar 1 January in 1752, the year in which England adopted the Gregorian Calendar.
The first month of the year January is named after Janus the two-faced Roman deity for beginnings and transitions. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Hi Nick,
Would you please tell me when are the best times and best places to view the meteor shower? Happy New Year to all
Thanks,
Kaz Masters
Hello Kaz. Which meteor shower do you mean? Tonight’s fireworks? If you mean the Quadrantids that peak on 4 January, you would have to move to the northern hemisphere to view them. The next worthwhile southern hemisphere meteor shower is the Eta Aquarids that should be best seen on the mornings of 6 & 7 May 2014.
Thanks Nick, I’ve been straining my eyes trying to find them of late. To no avail. Of course it helps to know astronomy…
Kind regards, Kaz