Winter nights in the Pacific Northwest bring long stretches of darkness - which means plenty of opportunity to step outside, bundle up, and look up. January 2026 offers several great night-sky events worth marking on your calendar, from the first full moon of the year to planetary highlights and meteor activity.
The first full moon of the year is traditionally called the Wolf Moon, a name rooted in Native American and early colonial lore linking January moons to howling wolves heard during the deep winter. In 2026, this full moon also qualifies as a supermoon, meaning it occurs when the Moon is near its closest point to Earth, making it appear slightly larger and brighter than average.
For skywatchers in the PNW, the Wolf Moon will rise early in the evening on January 2, continuing into January 3. Even if you’re in a city with light pollution, you should still be able to enjoy its glow - one of the easiest lunar events to spot without any equipment.
Right around the Wolf Moon, the Quadrantid meteor shower reaches its peak. This annual shower is one of the first major meteor displays of the year and can, under ideal conditions, produce dozens of shooting stars per hour.
However, because the peak happens during a bright full moon, many of the fainter meteors will be washed out by the lunar light. Still, with patience and a clear sky, observers may spot some of the brighter streaks against the winter backdrop — especially in darker, rural parts of the PNW.
A week after the Wolf Moon, Jupiter reaches opposition on January 10, meaning Earth lies directly between the sun and the giant planet. This is one of the best times of the year to observe Jupiter - it will be bright and visible throughout the night, rising at sunset and setting at sunrise.
Even binoculars or a small telescope can reveal some of Jupiter's cloud bands and its four largest moons. For observers in the PNW, find Jupiter in the night sky soon after dusk for the best view.
January includes other nice opportunities for casual stargazers throughout the month:
Weather and light conditions matter. Here are a few tips tailored for the Pacific Northwest:
Whether you're an astronomy hobbyist or simply love finding beauty in the night sky, January's celestial lineup provides plenty to enjoy right here in the Pacific Northwest. From the luminous Wolf Moon to bright Jupiter and the annual meteor shower, it's a great time to raise your eyes and catch a glimpse of the universe above.
Happy stargazing!
