TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For stargazers, welcoming the big year of 2026 with January’s night sky events is a non-negotiable agenda. Thankfully, this month arrives alongside breathtaking cosmic sights, from the classic new moon, to planet conjunctions and vibrant constellations, stargazers are invited to chase beyond their comfort zones.
Citing National Geographic, Astronomycom, and Starwalkspace, here are the unmissable January’s night sky events to see.
January’s Night Sky Events to Look After
1) Jupiter at opposition – January 9-10
Forming a unique pyramid with Sirius and Orion’s belt, this month’s Jupiter sighting is undoubtedly among the most sought-after January’s night sky events, as it won’t get any closer like this until 2027.
On January 9 and 10, the gigantic planet should be between the fifth planet and the sun, appearing to become even bigger and brighter. For the best spotting chance, go east during sunset, where it will sit near the Gemini constellation.
2) New moon – January 19
A week after the planet sighting, stargazers are treated with the charismatic appearance of the new moon. Not any less exciting than the supermoon, this sky event promises more visibility for star clusters as well as deep-space objects including the Orion Nebula, the Beehive Cluster, and the Andromeda Galaxy.
3) Moon near Saturn and Neptune – January 22-23
Once again, January’s night sky event offers a rewarding mix of planetary sightings, best enjoyed by those willing to spend a little extra time looking up. Stepping into the third week in style, Saturn and Neptune will lend their brightest light above the southwest horizon after sunset.
This time, stargazers must gear up with their strongest binoculars or even better, a telescope, to watch the three celestials dance together.
4) Moon meet Pleiades – January 27
Near the end of the month, the star cluster of Pleiades will eventually meet the moon in their closest proximity yet. This phenomenon will result in the triumph of the U.S. stargazers, where they can enjoy an all night viewing on January 27.
Meanwhile, European people and those residing in northern Africa are going to adore a true lunar occultation.
5) Moon-Jupiter conjunction – January 30-31
Another Jupiter conjunction will round out the January’s night sky events in a vibrant note. Starting on the night of January 30, admirers can watch the waxing gibbous moon cozying up near Jupiter just above the eastern horizon.
6) All month of Orion viewing
Above all, the Orion constellations remain a superstar even during January's night sky events. When the new year of 2026 rings, the famed hunter eventually reaches its highest point, between January and February, resulting in bigger spotting chances for stargazers.
From sundown into the early morning hours, the winter constellation will grace the northern hemisphere strongly.
At the most quiet moments, January's night sky events deliver absolute reward for those with patience and curiosity. Whether you’re tracking Jupiter at its brightest or lingering under Orion’s familiar outline, each clear night offers a moment to reconnect with the cosmos.
To take your stargazing a step further, be sure to read our guide on how to photograph the northern lights and capture the sky at its most extraordinary.
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