Look Up.

Skywatching Highlights January, 2026

• Jan. 10: Jupiter at opposition when Jupiter was at its brightest.
• Jan. 23: Saturn and Moon conjunction
• Jan. (throughout): Beehive Cluster visible from the Beehive State

Jupiter is currently visible in the night sky and will remain so throughout January 2026.

Best Viewing Times

• Rising: Jupiter rises shortly after sunset.
• Setting: It sets around sunrise.
• Peak Visibility: The planet is brightest and largest during its opposition, which occurred on January 10, 2026.

Location in the Sky

• Constellation: Jupiter is located in the constellation Gemini.
• Nearby Stars: Look for it near the bright stars Castor and Pollux.

Viewing Tips

• Naked Eye: Jupiter is bright enough to be seen without any equipment.
• Binoculars/Telescope: Using binoculars or a small telescope can reveal its four largest moons and atmospheric details.

For the best experience, find a dark area away from city lights and look towards the eastern horizon shortly after sunset.

If you have 2 ½ minutes, watch this video at NASA for a fine synopsis of January’s sky highlights. <https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/whats-up-january-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa/>