Bright star beside the Moon tonight? Here’s what it is and how to spot it to get the best view

The first full moon of 2026 may have peaked earlier this month, but January’s Wolf Moon is offering skywatchers one final visual highlight. On Tuesday night, January 6, a bright star will appear to ride just ahead of the Moon as both rise in the eastern sky, creating a striking celestial pairing visible across much of the Northern Hemisphere.

The star in question is Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, which will seem to guide the Moon along its nightly path.

Moon and Regulus rise together

Astronomy enthusiasts can spot the Moon and Regulus rising in the east around 90 minutes before midnight. Although the Moon will be in its waning gibbous phase and roughly 93 per cent illuminated, Regulus remains bright enough to stand out despite the lunar glare.


Regulus is the 21st brightest star in the night sky and will appear slightly ahead of and above the Moon, forming a graceful arc as both objects move across the southern sky. Observers are advised to locate the Moon first due to its brightness, then scan just beyond it to identify the steady glow of Regulus.

By midnight, the pair will be higher above the horizon, making them easier to spot even from urban locations with moderate light pollution, as per a report by Forbes.

Why Regulus stands out

A blue-white star formally known as Alpha Leonis, Regulus marks the heart of Leo, the Lion. Leo is a prominent constellation during late winter and early spring and is easily recognised by its distinctive sickle-shaped pattern, often described as a backward question mark outlining the Lion’s mane.

Regulus is one of only four bright stars that the Moon regularly passes close to during its monthly journey across the sky. The others are Aldebaran in Taurus, Spica in Virgo and Antares in Scorpius.

Regulus and its ‘Royal Star’ status

Historically, Regulus holds special significance. It is one of the four ancient “Royal Stars” of Persia, believed by early astronomers to guard the heavens. The remaining Royal Stars are Aldebaran, Antares and Fomalhaut.

Beyond its cultural importance, the region around Leo offers deep-sky rewards. The constellation sits away from the dense band of the Milky Way, providing a clear window to distant galaxies. With a small telescope, observers can spot the Leo Triplet, M65, M66 and NGC 3628, as well as the M96 Group, which includes galaxies M95, M96 and M105.

Jupiter shines nearby

Adding to the spectacle, Jupiter will be visible high above the Moon and Regulus. The gas giant, the brightest object in the night sky after the Moon, is approaching its annual opposition.

On January 10, 2026, Earth will pass directly between Jupiter and the Sun, placing the planet at its closest and brightest point of the year. Around this time, Jupiter will be visible from dusk until dawn, dominating the night sky.

A year of frequent full moons

While January’s full Moon has already passed, 2026 will feature a total of 13 full moons. The next full Snow Moon will occur on February 1, with full moons appearing on or near the first day of the month for the next four months.

May will be especially notable, with two full moons, the Flower Moon on May 1 and a second full moon, known as a Blue Moon, on May 31. Such events occur every two to three years due to the difference between the lunar cycle of 29.5 days and the solar year.

FAQs

What bright star appears near the Moon tonight?

The bright star is Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo.

When is the best time to see the Moon and Regulus together?

They begin rising about 90 minutes before midnight and are easiest to spot after midnight.