January Skywatching guide: Wolf Moon, Meteor Shower, and Jupiter steal the spotlight-here's when to watch them

The new year brings a fresh lineup of skywatching moments, and January offers several celestial sights worth marking on the calendar. From the first full moon of the year to a bright planet at opposition, much of the action arrives early. Several events even fall on the same date, making Jan. 3 a standout night for stargazers.

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What is the Wolf Moon and when does it appear?

The first full moon of the year, known as the Wolf Moon, occurs on Jan. 3. It will rise during the evening of Jan. 2 and reach its peak in the early morning hours of Jan. 3. According to EarthSky.org, the Wolf Moon in 2026 will also be a supermoon, meaning the moon’s orbit will be closer to Earth than usual, making it appear larger and brighter in the sky, as per a report by The New York Post.

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Why is Jan. 3 important for skywatchers?

Jan. 3 is one of the busiest days of the month for celestial events. Along with the Wolf Moon, Earth will reach perihelion, the point in its orbit when it is closest to the sun. On the same day, the Quadrantid meteor shower will peak. Although visibility may be limited due to the bright full moon, a few meteors may still be spotted by blocking the moon’s light, as per a report by The New York Post.

When can Jupiter be seen at its best?

Just days later, on Jan. 10, Jupiter will reach opposition. According to The Planetary Society, this occurs when Jupiter is positioned on the opposite side of Earth from the sun. Earth will pass directly between the sun and Jupiter, making the planet especially visible in the night sky throughout much of the month.


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What’s the final sky event in January?

The month wraps up with a new moon on Jan. 18. After that, the next major skywatching event arrives in February, with a partial solar eclipse scheduled for Feb. 17, as per a report by The New York Post.

FAQs

When is the Wolf Moon in January?
The Wolf Moon peaks early on Jan. 3 after rising the evening before.

What ends January’s skywatching events?
The final event is the new moon on Jan. 18.