January 2026 skywatching highlights from NASA.

NASA reports that Jupiter reaches opposition and its brightest appearance on January 10, and the Beehive Cluster (M44) will be visible in evening skies throughout January.

Jupiter reaches opposition on January 10 and will appear at its biggest and brightest for the year. Later in the month, the Moon and Saturn form a conjunction on January 23. The Beehive Cluster (Messier 44) is visible in evening skies through much of January. These notes are presented by researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Notable dates and sightings: - January 10: Jupiter is at opposition, when Earth lies between Jupiter and the Sun, making the planet appear larger and brighter than at other times of the year. - Jupiter will be visible in the east through the evening and sits in the constellation Gemini; it will be among the brightest nighttime objects, with only the Moon and Venus brighter. - January 23: The Moon and Saturn form a conjunction, with Saturn appearing just below the Moon in the western sky. - The Beehive Cluster (M44) is an open star cluster of at least 1,000 stars and will be visible after sunset and before midnight throughout January, especially near mid-month when its altitude is favorable. - With dark skies, the Beehive can be seen with the unaided eye; binoculars or a small telescope will make the cluster easier to observe. Summary: These scheduled events provide notable night-sky displays for January 2026, including Jupiter at opposition, the Moon–Saturn conjunction, and the Beehive Cluster visible across the month. NASA also lists the Moon's phases for January and posts regular updates about its missions on its science website. Undetermined at this time.