Department of Science and Technology
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration
Astronomical Diary
Calendar of Astronomical Events JANUARY 2026
Date Event Time
02 Moon at Perigee (Distance = 360,442.217 km) 05:44 a.m.
03 Quadrantid meteor shower (ZHR = 120) ---
04 Earth at Perihelion 01:16 a.m.
04 Conjunction of the Waning Gibbous Moon and Jupiter 05:59 a.m.
09 Jupiter at perigee 04:05 p.m.
10 Jupiter at opposition 04:42 p.m.
14 Moon at Apogee (Distance = 406,277.011 km) 04:47 a.m.
18 γ-Ursae Minorid meteor shower (ZHR = 3) ---
23 Close approach of the Moon and Saturn 04:57 p.m.
23 Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn 08:40 p.m.
30 Moon at Perigee (Distance = 360,442.217 km) 05:46 a.m.
31 Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter 10:29 a.m.
31 Close approach of the Moon and Jupiter 11:38 a.m.
Moon Phases
Full Moon
Jan 03 06:03 PM
Last Quarter
Jan 10 11:48 PM
New Moon
Jan 19 03:52 AM
First Quarter
Jan 26 12:47 PM
Rise and Set Times of Planets
Date Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn
Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set
Jan 01 05:31 am 04:44 pm 06:17 am 05:31 pm 06:33 am 05:45 pm 06:17 pm 07:13 am* 11:04 am 10:59 pm
Jan 11 06:00 am 05:13 pm 06:31 am 05:47 pm 06:25 am 05:40 pm 05:32 pm 06:28 am* 10:27 am 10:23 pm
Jan 21 06:29 am 05:47 pm 06:42 am 06:04 pm 06:18 am 05:35 pm 04:47 pm 05:43 am* 09:50 am 09:47 pm
Jan 31 06:54 am 06:24 pm 06:50 am 06:19 pm 06:09 am 05:30 pm 04:02 pm 04:59 am* 09:13 am 09:11 pm

* = following day

Stars and Constellation

January provides an excellent opportunity for stargazing, with Auriga, Orion and Taurus lighting up the northern sky, while Lepus, Caelum, Pictor, Dorado, and Reticulum are prominent in the south. These constellations will be directly overhead at 09:00 p.m. on 15 January 2026, as illustrated in Figure 1. [1]
Figure 1. The view of the night sky featuring the prominent January constellations at 09:00 p.m. on 15 January 2026 using the Stellarium software

Orion is one of the sky’s most recognizable constellations, noted for its distinctive hourglass shape formed by seven prominent stars. The bright stars Betelgeuse, Rigel, Saiph, and Bellatrix define the stellar boundaries of Orion’s body. In contrast, Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka constitute the Orion’s Belt asterism—one of the best-known asterisms in the night sky and a reliable guide for locating the constellation. Within the constellation of Orion lies the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, a vast stellar nursery filled with notable nebulae such as the Orion Nebula (M42), De Mairan’s Nebula (M43), Messier 78 (M78) [Figure 2a], and the Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) [Figure 2b]. The complex also includes the dark Horsehead Nebula (NGC 2023), nestled within the glowing expanse of IC 434. [2]

To the north of Orion lies the zodiac constellation Taurus. By drawing a line from Orion’s Belt to the left, you will be guided directly to Taurus. The bright star Aldebaran, marking the bull’s eye, is the first star you’ll encounter and is easily recognized by its orange hue. The Hyades Cluster (C41), forming a V-shape and located along the same line of sight as Aldebaran, outlines the face of the bull, making Taurus one of the more distinct and easily identifiable constellations. Taurus also harbors a wealth of fascinating deep-sky objects, including the renowned Pleiades (also known as the Seven Sisters or M45) [Figure 2c], a prominent open star cluster that marks the heart of the bull. Additionally, Taurus is home to the Crab Nebula (M1), the remnant of a supernova explosion observed in 1054 AD. Located near the bull's horn, the Crab Nebula remains one of the most important targets for studying the structure and evolution of supernova remnants. [1,2,3]
Figure 2. The northern constellations Figure 3. The southern constellations

Though small, Dorado holds a prominent place in the Southern Hemisphere. This circumpolar constellation is visible year-round, steadily circling the southern sky. Its Portuguese name, dourado (“golden”), has inspired depictions as a gleaming goldfish or, in some interpretations, a swift swordfish. The brightest star, Alpha Doradus (magnitude 3.27), is a binary system of two nearly equal stars orbiting each other every 12 years. Dorado’s most striking feature is the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), one of the Milky Way’s closest neighbors, home to notable deep-sky objects including the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070), the Ghost Head Nebula (NGC 2080), the Seagull Nebula (NGC 2032) [Figure 3a], and the globular cluster NGC 1783. The constellation lies near Canopus, the second-brightest star, roughly midway along a line to Achernar, the ninth-brightest. [2,4,5]

Located between Canopus and the Large Magellanic Cloud, the Pictor constellation may not be well-known, but it holds significant astronomical value. It features Beta Pictoris [Figure 3b], a young star surrounded by a protoplanetary disk where planets are believed to be forming. Pictor also hosts intriguing deep-sky objects, including the Pictor A galaxy (ESO 252-18A), an active galaxy emitting powerful particle jets, one of which has created a giant X-ray bubble over a million light-years long, as well as the irregular dwarf galaxy NGC 1705 and the spiral galaxy ESO 121-6 [Figure 3c]. [2,6]

Planetary Location

This January, Saturn will be visible in the evening sky, emerging after sunset and gradually moving westward as the night unfolds. Rising in the east northeast during the early evening, Jupiter will stay visible until it eventually fades from view in the glare of the rising Sun. On 09 January at 04:05 p.m., Jupiter reaches perigee—its closest approach to Earth—at a distance of 4.23 AU. It will then reach opposition the following day at 04:42 p.m., when it lies directly opposite the Sun in the sky. Positioned in the constellation Gemini, Jupiter will be visible for much of the night, climbing to its highest point around local midnight. Meanwhile, Mercury, Venus, and Mars will be obscured by their proximity to the Sun, their visibility overwhelmed by its intense brightness. [1,7,8,9]

On 04 January at 05:59 a.m., the Waning Gibbous Moon and Jupiter will align along the same right ascension, with a separation of 3°42'. About an hour later, the pair will draw even nearer, coming within 3°36' of each other. Although their closest approach occurs while both objects are hidden by the Sun’s brightness, the precise moment of their conjunction – set against the background stars of Gemini – can be highlighted in the west-northwestern sky, as demonstrated in Figure 4. [7,10,11]
Figure 4. The view of the west northwestern sky showing the conjunction of the Waning Gibbous Moon and Jupiter on 04 January at 05:59 a.m. using Stellarium.

On 23 January at 04:57 p.m., the 5-day-old Moon will make a close approach to Saturn, decreasing their apparent separation to 3°49′. Conjunction follows at 08:40 p.m., when the Moon will be positioned 4°21′ north of Saturn. During these events, observers will find both objects set against the constellation Pisces. The exact timing of their conjunction is visible in the night sky as shown in Figure 5. [12,13]
Figure 5. The view of the western sky showing the conjunction of the 5-day-old Moon and Saturn on 23 January at 08:40 p.m. using Stellarium.
Figure 6. The view of the east northeastern sky showing the close pairing of the Moon and Jupiter on 31 January at 06:30 p.m. using Stellarium.

On 31 January, at 10:29 a.m., the Moon will once again pass 3°51′ north of Jupiter, aligning with it along the same right ascension. In roughly an hour, the pair will draw even closer, separated by 3°47′. Both celestial bodies will be situated in the constellation Gemini, with the Moon shining at magnitude -12.7 and Jupiter at magnitude -2.6. The exact events will not be visible since the Moon and Jupiter lie below the horizon, but the pair can be observed above the eastern horizon at 06:30 p.m. on the same day, remaining visible until they set in the west. [Figure 6] [7,14,15]

All the conjunctions and near approaches mentioned between the planet and the moon, or planet to planet, will be visible enough to fit within the field of view of a telescope and can also be viewed with the naked eye or using a pair of binoculars.

Meteor Showers

The Quadrantid meteor shower is one of the most striking annual meteor displays, marking an exciting start to the year for skywatchers. Active from 26 December to 12 January, the shower typically reaches its peak around 03 January, with up to 120 meteors per hour visible under ideal conditions. Its radiant lies in the constellation Boötes, making it a northern-hemisphere phenomenon that is best observed from locations with dark, unobstructed skies. The shower becomes visible when the radiant rises at approximately 01:11 a.m. and remains active until shortly before sunrise, around 05:56 a.m. It reaches its highest point near 08:00 a.m., with the pre-dawn hours around 05:00 a.m. [Figure 7] offering the best viewing conditions. The Quadrantids originate from debris shed by the asteroid 2003 EH1. Observing conditions this year, however, will be hampered by a full Moon in Gemini, which will cause significant interference throughout the night. [16,17]
Figure 7. The view of the northeastern sky during the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower on 03 January 2025 at 05:00 a.m. when the shower’s radiant is represented by the green solid circle.
Figure 8. The view of the north northeastern sky during the peak of the γ-Ursae Minorid meteor shower on 18 January 2025 at 05:00 a.m. when the shower’s radiant is represented by the green solid circle.

Although modest compared to major meteor showers like the Perseids or Geminids, the γ-Ursae Minorids offer a rewarding experience for dedicated observers. Active from 10 to 22 January and peaking on 18 January, the shower radiates from the constellation Ursa Minor and typically produces around three (3) meteors per hour under favorable conditions. The best viewing period begins at 10:39 p.m., when the radiant rises above the eastern horizon, and continues until dawn at approximately 05:59 a.m. The radiant attains its maximum altitude near 07:00 a.m.; however, optimal viewing occurs around 05:00 a.m. [Figure 8], when the pre-dawn darkness significantly improves meteor visibility. This year, the shower coincides closely with the new Moon, ensuring minimal interference from moonlight and allowing even faint meteors to be more easily visible. [18,19]

Meteor showers are observable through the naked eye, and no special equipment such as telescopes or binoculars is needed. Maximize the viewing experience by choosing a dark observation site away from the city lights under clear and moonless sky conditions.

Watch: Astronomical Events for January 2026

Notes and References

Notes:
*following day
• All times displayed are in Philippine Standard Time (PhST)

References:
[1] PAGASA Special Publication No. 840; The Philippine Star Atlas 2019/Stellarium Software
[2] C. Guide, “Constellations: A Guide to the Night Sky.” https://www.constellation-guide.com/constellations-by-month/january-constellations/, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[3] Go Astronomy, “TAURUS CONSTELLATION” https://www.go-astronomy.com/constellations.php?Name=Taurus, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[4] Go Astronomy, “DORADO CONSTELLATION” https://www.go-astronomy.com/constellations.php?Name=Dorado, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[5] Label Stars, “Dorado Constellation: The Ultimate Guide” https://labelstars.com/en/constellations-list/dorado-constellation, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[6] Go Astronomy, “PICTOR CONSTELLATION” https://www.go-astronomy.com/constellations.php?Name=Pictor, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[7] Multi-Interactive Computer Almanac (MICA), Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[8] D. Ford, “In-The-Sky.org Guide to the night sky: “Jupiter at perigee” https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20260109_12_100, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[9] D. Ford, “In-The-Sky.org Guide to the night sky: “Jupiter at opposition” https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20260110_12_100, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[10] D. Ford, “In-The-Sky.org Guide to the night sky: “Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter” https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20260103_20_100, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[11] D. Ford, “In-The-Sky.org Guide to the night sky: “Close approach of the Moon and Jupiter” https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20260103_15_100, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[12] D. Ford, “In-The-Sky.org Guide to the night sky: “Close approach of the Moon and Saturn” https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20260123_15_100, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[13] D. Ford, “In-The-Sky.org Guide to the night sky: “Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn” https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20260123_20_100, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[14] D. Ford, “In-The-Sky.org Guide to the night sky: “Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter” https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20260131_20_100, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[15] D. Ford, “In-The-Sky.org Guide to the night sky: “Close approach of the Moon and Jupiter” https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20260131_15_100, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[16] D. Ford, “In-The-Sky.org Guide to the night sky: “Quadrantid meteor shower 2026” https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20260103_10_100, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[17] List of Meteor Showers for Observation Session – IMO – International Meteor Organization https://www.imo.net/members/imo_showers/working_shower_list, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[18] D. Ford, “In-The-Sky.org Guide to the night sky: “γ-Ursae Minorid meteor shower 2026https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20260119_10_100, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.
[19] IMO – International Meteor Organization “2026 Meteor Shower Calendar” https://www.imo.net/files/meteor-shower/cal2026.pdf, Last accessed on 2025-12-12, 2025.


For more information, call or email:

Ms. Ma. Rosario C. Ramos
Chief, SSAS - RDTD
PAGASA - DOST
Diliman, Quezon City
Trunkline: 8284-0800 loc 3015, 3016, 3017
Email address: astronomy@pagasa.dost.gov.ph

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