As 2026 dawns, the stargazing calendar is set to unfold with a fascinating array of celestial events. The month of January promises to be a treat for astronomers, with a trifecta of spectacular sights: a supermoon, an asteroid, and a planetary alignment. The first opportunity for stargazers is to catch a glimpse of Asteroid 40 Harmonia, a massive space rock situated in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Measuring nearly 70 miles in diameter, Harmonia ranks among the largest asteroids ever observed, placing it in the top 1 percent of its kind.
On the evening of January 2, the asteroid will reach full opposition to the sun, making it an ideal time for viewing with a decent telescope. Observers are advised to look for Harmonia at its peak elevation above the southern horizon, just before midnight. The following day, January 3, marks the arrival of the Wolf Moon, a supermoon that will be the fourth consecutive one.
According to the Farmer's Almanac, the moon will reach full illumination at 5:03 a. m. EST. As a supermoon, it will be fully illuminated by the sun, providing a stunning sight.
The stargazing calendar for 2026 gets off to a bit of a contrary start. January is all about opposition, which is the astronomical term for a ...Other related sources and context: See here
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