The holidays may be squarely in the rearview—no more parties, no more feasts, no more colorful decorations—but there are still plenty of reasons to celebrate in January. Just look up.
From massive planets to dazzling meteors and deep-sky treats, January 2026 offers something for everyone—whether you’re a casual observer stepping outside for a few minutes or a dedicated amateur astronomer with a telescope and a notebook. Here’s what you can look forward to in the night sky this month.
The Wolf Supermoon
The new year kicks off with a spectacular supermoon. On January 3, the full moon swells in Earth’s sky as it swings close in its orbit, making its familiar face appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than usual—a dramatic sight especially near moonrise or moonset.
For skywatchers, the “Wolf Moon” offers more than just beauty: Use binoculars or a small telescope for an opportunity to see and appreciate details on the lunar surface.
If you’re looking for a more immersive way to experience the moon, Boulder County Open Space is hosting a night hike on January 3 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain.
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The Quadrantids Meteor Shower
If you missed the Geminids and the Ursids in December, never fear. In January, you can catch a glimpse of the Quadrantids, which is typically one of the year’s most prolific meteor showers. The radiant—the point in the sky from which meteors appear to originate—lies near the constellation formerly known as Quadrans Muralis, now part of Bootes.
The official peak occurs overnight on January 2-3, and under truly dark skies the Quadrantids can produce many glowing streaks across the sky. But this year’s peak coincides almost exactly with the supermoon’s full phase, meaning the bright lunar glow will likely drown out all but the boldest meteors.
Still, you may be able to catch sight of brighter fireballs racing through the sky. Head to a dark, rural spot where some or all of the moonlight is blocked out, like a field bordered by tall trees. You’ll be sitting within the “moon shadow,” giving you a better chance at seeing meteors.
Jupiter Takes Center Stage
One of January’s true highlights is Jupiter at opposition—when Earth sits directly between the Sun and the giant, reddish-orange planet. Around January 9-10, Jupiter rises in the east at sunset and shines throughout the night, appearing large and bright.
The next time Jupiter will be this close to Earth is not until 2027, so this is a great time to view Jupiter’s swirling atmospheric belts and its four large Galilean moons. Once again, binoculars or telescopes will help you admire the fifth planet in more detail.
January New Moon
January 19 brings a new moon, an ideal window for stargazing. Without moonlight to obscure the view, you’ll be able to see even more stars, nebulae and galaxies than usual (as long as there aren’t any clouds, of course).
Keep an eye out for Orion, the easily recognizable constellation depicting a mythological hunter with his famous belt. In January, Orion rises early and is especially easy to spot if you look southeast, thanks to dazzling stars Betelgeuse and Rigel. Follow Orion’s belt to see Sirius—the brightest star in the night sky. You may even be able to catch a glimpse of the Orion Nebula (M42), the closest large star-forming region to Earth.
Lunar Pairings
Several nights later, around January 22-23, the slender moon will appear to hover near Saturn and Neptune, offering a delightful twilight trio for skygazers. Then, on January 27, the waxing gibbous moon will pair with the glittering Pleiades star cluster, creating a gorgeous winter sight. The month closes with a moon-Jupiter conjunction on January 30-31, visible soon after sunset as both bodies appear to travel together across the night sky.
Will the Northern Lights Make an Appearance?
It’s difficult to predict exactly when and where the northern lights will be visible. But keep your eyes on the skies, as January 2026 is forecasted to have good chances for aurora viewing. It falls within the solar maximum—the peak solar activity period—of the 11-year solar cycle, meaning more frequent geomagnetic storms and visible northern lights, even extending to more southern latitudes in North America. Checking NOAA forecasts regularly is your best bet for glimpsing the dancing aurora borealis.
Tips for Boulder Skywatchers in January
To make the most of January’s events, dress warmly and bring a reclining chair or a pillow for comfortable viewing. You’ll be able to stay outside longer during the winter chill if you’re dressed appropriately and bring helpful gear. (A thermos with a warm beverage also makes a helpful addition!)
Head to dark-sky areas away from city lights, particularly for meteor and deep-sky observing sessions. Give your eyes at least 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, which means you should avoid looking at any bright white lights—including your phone. Use a red headlamp for help navigating.
