January brings some of the most dramatic sky watching opportunities of the year — from a brilliant supermoon to a bright giant planet at opposition and winter meteors lighting up crisp nights. Whether you’re observing with your unaided eye, binoculars, or telescope, bundle up and look up!
The Wolf Supermoon — Jan 2–3
January’s full moon — traditionally called the Wolf Moon — reaches peak brightness on the night of Jan. 2 into the early hours of Jan. 3. Because the Moon will be near its closest point to Earth (perigee), it will appear brighter and slightly larger than typical full moons — a classic supermoon.
How to View:
- Date: Jan 3 (peak)
- Time: Moonrise after sunset; peaks early morning on Jan 3
- Look toward the eastern horizon just after sunset to see the full face rising.
This month, the Wolf Moon will also appear near bright Jupiter, offering a photogenic duo in the evening sky — a perfect target for cameras and telescopes alike.
Quadrantid Meteor Shower – Jan 3–4
The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks around the same time as the Wolf Moon, making this one of the year’s earliest meteor displays. While the bright moonlight may drown out many fainter meteors, the Quadrantids are known for fast, bright streaks and can still be rewarding to catch.
How to View:
- Peak: Late night Jan. 3 into pre-dawn Jan. 4
- Lie back in a dark location facing northeast
- Bring warm clothes and a reclining chair for comfort
Pro tip: Meteor counts are often highest in the early morning hours before dawn.
Jupiter at Opposition – Jan 10
One of January’s brightest shows is Jupiter reaching opposition on Jan. 10 — meaning Earth sits directly between Jupiter and the Sun. This is the best time all year to observe this gas giant and its moons.
Why It’s Great:
- Visible all night
- Highest brightness and largest apparent size
- Great planet to view in binoculars or a telescope
Look for Jupiter among the stars of Gemini with its moons lined up — a stunning telescopic target.
Moon & Planetary Sightings – All Month
Throughout January, several nice pairings and close approaches make for enjoyable evening and morning viewing:
- Moon, Neptune & Saturn: A close grouping in the evening sky later in the month.
- Uranus & Neptune: Faint but possible with binoculars or a small telescope.
- Saturn: Enjoyable early-evening object especially in early January.
Deep Winter Skies & Constellations
Even if major events aren’t happening, January offers long, crisp nights to enjoy winter constellations:
- Orion, Taurus, Auriga, Gemini dominate the winter heavens.
- Bright stars like Sirius and Betelgeuse light up the southern sky.
Winter is also excellent for deep-sky imaging — from nebulae like the Orion Nebula to star clusters and beyond.
Moon Phases This Month
Key lunar phases in January 2026:
- Wolf Supermoon (Full Moon): Early Jan. 3
- New Moon: Around Jan. 18 — excellent for deep-sky observing
- Other phases give balanced opportunities throughout the month
Tips for January Skywatchers
- Dress warmly: January nights are cold — layers are your best friend.
- Avoid light pollution: Dark sites reveal more meteors, stars, and deep-sky objects.
- Bring gear: Binoculars or a small telescope dramatically enhance views.
- Plan around the Moon: Bright moonlight can wash out faint objects — the new moon week around Jan. 18 is ideal for faint deep sky targets.
Final Word
January 2026 kicks off the year with some of the most engaging skywatching targets: a show-stopping supermoon, a classic meteor shower, Jupiter at its best, and beautiful winter nightscapes to explore. Grab your telescope, bundle up, and let the crisp winter skies take your breath away!
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