January 2026 Astronomy Highlights

Happy New Year! The Earth has completed one more orbit of our Sun, and we move into 2026. It takes the Earth approximately 365.2422 days to orbit the Sun, which is approximately 940 million km or 584 million miles. It’s not exactly 365 days, and that’s why we have an extra day in February every four years.

January 2026 opens the year with a strong mix of meteor activity, a bright Full Moon, and excellent planetary viewing. Long winter nights provide plenty of opportunity to explore the night sky. Let’s get stuck in.

Quadrantid Meteor Shower – January 3rd & 4th

The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks overnight on January 3rd & 4th and is considered one of the most intense meteor showers of the year, capable of producing high rates over a short period. The meteor shower gets its name from a former constellation in which it was first observed in 1795, Quadrans Muralis, which is now part of the constellation Bootes. In 2026, the peak coincides with a bright Moon, which will reduce the visibility of fainter meteors. However, the most patient observers may still catch brighter streaks. Especially in the early morning hours before the dawn colours rise in the sky.

Meteor Shower – Hugo Guillemard

Full Wolf Moon – January 3rd

January’s Full Moon, known as the Wolf Moon, will light up the evening sky on January 3rd and marks the first full moon of the year. Rising near sunset, it will remain visible all night and be very close to Jupiter in the sky. It provides excellent conditions for observing lunar features such as craters and maria with binoculars or a small telescope. The name comes from traditional winter folklore, reflecting the long, cold nights of midwinter.

Moon – Michael Sol

Jupiter at Opposition – January 10th

On January 10th, Jupiter reaches opposition or perigee, as it’s known in astronomy. This means it’s directly opposite the Sun in Earth’s sky. This makes Jupiter brighter and closer than at any other time in 2026 and visible throughout the night. It’s an ideal opportunity to observe Jupiter’s cloud bands and its four largest moons, which can be seen even with modest telescopic equipment. If you don’t have a telescope, it’s a great time to support your local observatory and book an event that evening.

With meteor activity, a prominent Full Moon, and Jupiter at its best, January 2026 is a fantastic start to another year of stargazing. Happy New Year and Clear Skies from us all.

Jupiter – Zelch Csaba

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