Sky Watch, January
January 1, 2026
by Peter Lutken
Here's to a Happy New Year!
2025 was a tough one: Terrible floods here in Texas, droughts, and fires around the world made millions suffer, especially those in war zones. Still, if we open our eyes, there is always a lot to be thankful for. Here are some good things to look for right now:
Evening Skies: Saturn is up in the southwest; Jupiter is rising in the east, near Gemini, in The Winter Hexagon. In addition to Jupiter, the perimeter of the hexagon includes Capella, Sirius, Procyon, and Rigel, four of the brightest stars in the sky. They surround the constellation Orion!!
Full Moon: January 3.
Morning Skies: The Big Dipper is high in the Northern Sky, and the bright star Arcturus is right overhead. Vega, a beautiful summer star, is peeking over the northeastern horizon as the sun comes up!
Quarry/Outdoors: With fewer leaves on the trees, small birds are easier to spot this time of year! Cedar Waxwings are beginning to arrive, seeking berries. The photo is of a backyard Wren grabbing some lunch!
Get outdoors every day in 2026!! It always helps your mood. You never know what you'll see or learn!
PKL
