Topline:
2024 may be winding down, but as the new year approaches there are still several fascinating astronomical events taking place in December and January.
Can we see the events: Yes! You can see and experience almost all of them with your own eyes.
When will they happen? Starting with the Winter Solstice on Dec. 21 into January 2025. Read on for details . . .
2024 may be winding down, but as the new year approaches there are still several fascinating astronomical events taking place in December and January. And the good news is: You can see and experience almost all of them with your own eyes.
Keep reading for five space events to look forward to in the next few weeks this winter.
When? Dec. 21
Billions of years ago, when the solar system was first forming, there were many more “mini planets” than the planets we know today. Astronomers believe that at one point, Earth collided with a mini planet called Theia, which caused our planet to tilt by 23 degrees.
Or as Andrew Fraknoi, astronomer and professor at the University of San Francisco’s Fromm Institute, said: “The Earth was in a traffic accident and has never been able to straighten out.”
Thanks to Theia and that small tilting of our planet, we can now enjoy the changing of the seasons. During the summer, the Northern Hemisphere leans into the sun, and we get more daylight and warmth — while in winter, our planet leans away from the sun, resulting in shorter days and cooler weather.
During the winter solstice that occurs on Dec. 21 this year, Earth will experience the shortest day of the year as our planet goes through “the greatest leaning away” from the sun, Fraknoi said. The sun will rise at 7:21 a.m. and set at 4:54 p.m., giving us only about 10 hours of daylight during the winter solstice — compared to 15 hours of light during the summer solstice.
When? Throughout December
Once every 13 months, Earth will be exactly between the sun and planet Jupiter, making the giant planet more bright and visible to the naked eye. While this alignment of the Earth, Jupiter and the sun — what’s known as Jupiter’s opposition — already occurred just a few days ago on Dec. 7, you still have a chance to see the planet as a brighter star for a few more weeks. Jupiter will be visible throughout the night in the south-east and highest in the sky just after midnight.
When? Jan. 16
Another neighboring planet, the fiery Mars, will be in opposition on Jan. 16, when Earth passes between Mars and the sun. During this event, which occurs about every two years, you can look towards the east after sunset and observe Mars as a bright, reddish-orange star. It will be highest in the sky at about midnight.
When? Jan. 4
On Jan. 4, 2025, at around 5:30 a.m. PST, our planet will be at “perihelion” — that is, at its closest to the sun. Because of its elliptical orbit, scientists can calculate when the Earth will be at its closest and farthest point from the sun.
At perihelion, the Earth receives 7% more solar energy than when the planet is at its furthest from the sun. To many who aren’t on the lookout, the sun may just look the same as any other day — but it will actually appear slightly larger than any other day in the year.
When? Dec. 24
On a mission to investigate the mysteries of the largest star in our solar system, NASA launched the Parker Solar Probe in 2018 to study the sun’s outer atmosphere: its corona. Since 2018, the probe has completed seven Venus gravity assist maneuvers — also known as flybys — with the recent and final one in November this year.
On Dec. 24, the unmanned spacecraft made out of composite material that can withstand temperatures of up to 2500 F will make history by becoming the closest object ever to the sun. As the probe gets closer to the sun’s orbit, the faster it will go, claiming the title of the fastest vehicle ever made, Fraknoi said.
“It will speed up to 430,000 mph. Don’t try that on Freeway 280,” he said.
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The Sundance Film Festival begins for the last time in Park City, Utah, before heading to Boulder, Colo., next year. It's a bittersweet finale for the country's premier independent film festival, founded by Robert Redford in 1978.
Honoring the festival's history: With a gala, the festival plans to pay tribute to the late actor and director, who died of natural causes in September. This year, the festival will screen films that got their starts at Sundance, including Little Miss Sunshine, which went on to be nominated for best picture at the 2007 Oscars.
What else will be screened? The festival will also screen a remastered print of the 1969 movie Downhill Racer, in which Redford plays a champion skier. Over the years, Sundance has been a launching pad for filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Ava DuVernay, The Coen brothers, Ryan Coogler, Chloe Zhao and Paul Thomas Anderson.
The Sundance Film Festival begins for the last time in Park City, Utah, before heading to Boulder, Colo., next year. It's a bittersweet finale for the country's premier independent film festival, founded by Robert Redford in 1978.
With a gala, the festival plans to pay tribute to the late actor and director, who died of natural causes in September.
"Before he passed earlier this year, [Redford] shared with us this quote: 'Everybody has a story,'" says the festival's director, Eugene Hernandez. "This notion is such a great framing for a festival that has always been about finding and sharing with audiences the stories that come from all over the world."
This year, the festival will screen films that got their starts at Sundance, including Little Miss Sunshine, which went on to be nominated for best picture at the 2007 Oscars.
The festival will also screen a remastered print of the 1969 movie Downhill Racer, in which Redford plays a champion skier. Redford was also a producer on this indie film.
"He would tell this story year after year about getting Downhill Racer made," recalls Sundance senior programmer John Nein. "It became a way that he understood the notion of protecting independence and protecting the artistic voice of a film. He often used that when he talked to emerging filmmakers, to relate to the struggles that they had in getting their films made the way that they wanted to."
Nein says one way to recognize that legacy is by programming 40 percent of the slate from first-time filmmakers. More than 16,200 films were submitted from 164 countries. Throughout the year, the Sundance Institute hosts labs and programs and provides grants and fellowships for independent filmmakers.
Over the years, Sundance has been a launching pad for filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Ava DuVernay, The Coen brothers, Ryan Coogler, Chloe Zhao and Paul Thomas Anderson.
Another filmmaker whose career Sundance supported is Rachel Lambert, who says she was inspired by a film Redford directed: Ordinary People.
"It's a profound legacy a single human being can leave an entire nation's culture," she says of Redford. "It's remarkable."
Lambert will premiere her newest film, Carousel, a love story starring Chris Pine and Jenny Slate.
Also showing at Sundance: documentaries about Chicano theater pioneer Luis Valdez, singer Courtney Love, tennis star Billie Jean King, and South African leader Nelson Mandela.
Among the features in competition is The Gallerist with Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega.
Another is The Invite, with Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton. The Invite's producer, David Permut, has been faithfully attending Sundance since the late 1980s, when he was in the audience for Steven Soderbergh's breakout Sex, Lies, and Videotape.
"I never miss Sundance. I've been going every year since," says Permut. "I stay for 10 days, I'm not in and out like a lot of people from Hollywood when they're there with their film. I love the second week because it's basically cinephiles from all over the world."
Permut showed his first film at Sundance — Three of Hearts — in 1993. Last year, his film Twinless won the festival's audience award.
"I have 57 movies I want to see this coming Sundance," he says. "For me, it's about discovery."
Some filmmakers have gone to great lengths to get their work screened this year — including the Iranian film The Friend's House is Here.
The drama—set in Tehran's underground art scene — was shot under the radar of Iranian authorities. Amid the country's recent political turmoil, members of the film's crew had to drive 11 hours to smuggle the film over the Turkish border to get it to the festival. According to the film's publicist, the film's two main actresses were not heard from for weeks during Iran's recent unrest. The publicist says the women are now safe but have been denied visas by the United States to attend Sundance.
Copyright 2026 NPR
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The annual Pasadena Cheeseburger Week runs Sunday through Jan. 31, celebrating the burger's local origin story and the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Lionel Sternberger is credited with inventing the cheeseburger in 1924 at his father's roadside stand, the Rite Spot, on what would become part of Route 66 along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena.
Why it matters: Pasadena’s claim to the cheeseburger is a significant part of Southern California's food history, with direct ties to car culture and roadside dining.
Who's participating: Nearly 50 restaurants are taking part, including Dog Haus Biergarten, Pie 'n Burger, the Taproom at the Langham Huntington Hotel and Magnolia House. There are also week-only specials, including Tardino Bros. Italian Kitchen's chili cheeseburger pizza and Burrito Express' smashburger taco.
Why now: It’s a perfect opportunity to explore some of those Pasadena spots that you've been meaning to try (and a good way to fire up your palate before LAist’s citywide Tournament of Cheeseburgers later this year!).
Topline:
The annual Pasadena Cheeseburger Week runs Sunday through Jan. 31, celebrating the burger's local origin story and the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Lionel Sternberger is credited with inventing the cheeseburger in 1924 at his father's roadside stand, the Rite Spot, on what would become part of Route 66 along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena.
Why it matters: Pasadena’s claim to the cheeseburger is a significant part of Southern California's food history, with direct ties to car culture and roadside dining.
Who's participating: Nearly 50 restaurants are taking part, including Dog Haus Biergarten, Pie 'n Burger, the Taproom at the Langham Huntington Hotel and Magnolia House. There are also week-only specials, including Tardino Bros. Italian Kitchen's chili cheeseburger pizza and Burrito Express' smashburger taco.
Why now: It’s a perfect opportunity to explore some of those Pasadena spots that you've been meaning to try (and a good way to fire up your palate before LAist’s citywide Tournament of Cheeseburgers later this year!).
Topline:
Volunteers are fanning out across the region tonight for LA’s annual homeless count to get a census of the unhoused population. But providers say it’s hard to count families because they usually aren’t living on the street.
Why it matters: Last year, homelessness declined overall in the region, but not for families with children. And service providers say even that was an undercount.
A hidden population: Families are more likely to be living in their cars, motels or doubled up in units. “There have been homeless counts in the previous years in which we don't see any families at all,” said Constanza Pachon, CEO of The Whole Child, an agency that serves families in southeast L.A. County. “We know they’re there. They’re our clients.”
Volunteers are fanning out across the region tonight for the last night of L.A.’s annual homeless count to get a census of the unhoused population. But advocates say there’s one population that’s especially hard to get an accurate count of: families.
The way the count works is that volunteers count who they can physically see on the streets.
Homeless services providers say that doesn’t work with families because families don’t usually experience homelessness out on the streets. Instead, they are more likely to be living discreetly in their cars, in motels or doubled up in suboptimal units.
“ We know they're there. Yhey're our clients. We see them when they come, and they are referred [to us] by the schools, by 211, by the faith community. We see them but not through the count,” said Constanza Pachon, CEO of The Whole Child, an agency that serves families in southeast L.A. County.
Last year, homelessness declined overall in the region, but not for families with children. And service providers say even that was an undercount. In the region where Pachon serves, the count estimated a total of 265 families experiencing homelessness, but the agency serves about 2,500 families a year.
“There have been homeless counts in the previous years in which we don't see any families at all,” said Pachon, whose agency is running a site for the count in East L.A.
Providers worry they’ll see more families struggling with homelessness with funding cuts to the services system. Pachon says they’ve been at capacity over the past year and have a running waitlist for families who need housing services.
Mark Hood, CEO of Union Rescue Mission, volunteered Tuesday night and walked 9 miles through downtown Los Angeles. He said he didn’t encounter any families, but his agency, which runs shelters, has been seeing a rising need among families with children.
“We have certainly, last summer and into the fall, seen more families come through our door,” he said.
In this edition:
Where to watch the Rams, Eddie Izzard does Hamlet, a birthday party for Marion Davies, ecolearning in the Sepulveda Basin and more of the best things to do this weekend.
Highlights:
I have been LOVING how green everything is. The regrowth post-fires is nothing short of inspiring, and you can check out some of these hikes over the weekend to see for yourself. Another way to take advantage of the outdoors is by booking a free guided tour of the new 101 Wildlife Crossing. They’re coming up throughout the spring, so check the site for available dates to book.
But I know, I know, there are football playoffs to watch, too. So FINE: Here’s your watch party rundown for the Rams, who are one win away from the Super Bowl. What a year for L.A. sports…
If music is more your thing, Licorice Pizza has your listings for the weekend. It’s National Association of Music Merchants week down in Anaheim, and one of the coolest annual NAMM events is always the She Rocks Awards on Friday, hosted this year by the Bangles’ Vicki Peterson and Stitched Up Heart frontwoman Mixi Demner. Also on Friday, 112 is at the YouTube Theater, Dan Deacon plays the Teragram, Aaron Lee Tasjan is at McCabe’s in Santa Monica and Living Colour with John 5 is at the Observatory. And right at Licorice Pizza, Tenacious D’s one and only Kyle Gass performs with his band on Friday to celebrate the release of their new concert album, Live in Palmdale.
Finally, on Saturday, you can check out Ground Control Touring’s 4th Annual Abortion Access Benefit Series at the Lodge Room. Seahaven is performing Winter Forever in full at the Teragram, and Grammy-winner Arooj Aftab is at the Bram Goldsmith Theater.
Elsewhere on LAist, you can weigh in on whether it’s “South Central” or “South L.A.” and learn about the guerrilla campaign for more public benches. Also, be careful next time you kick a ball in the park — you could be breaking an archaic L.A. law.
Saturday, January 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
712 Montana Ave., Santa Monica
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
It’s almost Galentine’s Day, so get primped at a family-friendly manicure party hosted by Olive & June and Frankie's on the Park on Montana Ave in Santa Monica. Moms, kids and tweens will enjoy complimentary polish changes, playful press-on customization and exclusive giveaways from the hip polish brand.
Through Saturday, January 31
The Montalban Theatre
1615 Vine Street, Hollywood
COST: FROM $97; MORE INFO
Eddie Izzard is truly a one-of-a-kind performer. From her comedy roots to taking on Shakespeare, Izzard has always been ahead of the curve. This version of Hamlet is here at the Montalban following runs in New York and London; it received a New York Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Solo Performance, as well as a nomination for the New York Drama League’s Distinguished Performance Award. Izzard says, “I have always gravitated towards playing complex and challenging characters and Hamlet is the ultimate. This is a production for everyone, a timeless drama with an accidental hero. Selina, Mark and I want audiences to see and hear an accessible, touching, tragic and dramatic Hamlet.”
Threads of Unity: Celebrating Creative Kinship in the Spirit of George Washington Carver
Sunday, January 25, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
In front of KAOS
4343 Leimert Blvd., Leimert Park
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Explore the links between Altadena and Leimert Park’s Black communities with this celebration of art and ecology. Featuring rhythmic drumming and movement, a rootspeak workshop, and an interactive art activity by an Altadena-based artist, the event will highlight Altadena’s recovery from the Eaton Fire. There will also be a panel featuring Black Altadena community leaders.
Through February 6
317 S. Broadway, Downtown L.A.
COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
Just as you’re winding down dry January and doubling down on those fitness New Year’s resolutions, it’s time again for DineLA. Over the next few weeks, we’ll feature some of our favorite deals happening, starting with Grand Central Market’s offerings, which include $15 menu items at favorites like Lucky Bird, Maple Block, Moon Rabbit and Mizon.
Saturday, January 24, 12:30 p.m.
House of Blues
400 Disney Way #337, Anaheim
COST: LAist 15% discount with Code BRAINS; MORE INFO
Popular kids’ podcast Brains On! brings their show on the road for a live all-ages event at the House of Blues in Anaheim. The afternoon is full of magic tricks, dance moves, out-of-body experiences, mystery sounds and even a game show, making learning about science interactive and fun. LAist readers get a 15% discount with the code BRAINS; to "unlock" the discount, you need to click on the lock button at the top of the screen, which will open a window to put in the code.
Saturday, January 24, 12 p.m.
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve
6350 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
The Sepulveda Basin is home to many native bird and plant species that we often just pass by in our daily city lives. Earth dwell/ers school exists to teach about the unique environment of the L.A. River by combining the social and political history of the area with nature talks, food and birdwatching. With all the greenery out now, it’s a great time to join this exciting event, which includes a talk on oak tree decomposition and leaf decay, a sound guide and “ecopoetic snacks inspired by the winter landscape and the animals that live within it.”
Sunday, January 25, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Annenberg Community Beach House
415 Pacific Coast Hwy., Santa Monica
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Marion Davies lived a life of scandal and intrigue, starred in silent films and was a legendary figure in Old Hollywood. Channel a little of your own Marion energy at her annual birthday party, hosted at the Annenberg Community Beach House. The festivities include live music with Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys, a chance to learn some 1920s dance steps and a chat with Lara Gabrielle, author of Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies. You can also tour the Marion Davies Guest House and time-travel to the glam Hollywood beach escape of the 1930s.
Friday, January 23, 7 p.m.
The Wallis
9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills
COST: FROM $10 (SOLD OUT, WAITLIST AVAILABLE); MORE INFO
Margaret Cho has always had a take-no-prisoners approach to her comedy shows, and this night at the Wallis will be no different. "This will be my most blistering and brutally honest show yet! Let’s tear down racism, homophobia and sexism with all that we have. We have to fight for what we have now, because if we wait any longer, it might be too late to save ourselves,” says Cho. Laugh, cry, get it all out with one of the original groundbreaking women in the comedy scene.
Friday, January 23, 9 a.m/ to 6 p.m.
Japanese American National Museum
100 N. Central Ave., Arts District
COST: FROM $50; MORE INFO
If we don’t study history, we’re bound to repeat it. The Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center) at the Japanese American National Museum presents the symposium, Echoes of History: Inspiring Civic Action and Building Democracy. Hear from experts speaking about how we can create a lasting democracy, including Agnès Callamard of Amnesty International, Robert Evans of the Behind the Bastards and It Could Happen Here podcasts, contemporary artist Glenn Kaino and Pulitzer Prize–winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen at the day-long symposium. The event also includes complimentary admission to the exhibition MONUMENTS at MOCA, a mobile “banned bookmobile” presented by Bloom Wild Bookshop and a participatory musical performance by Great Leap featuring artist-activist Nobuko Miyamoto. The talks will also be live-streamed virtually for $25.
