Monday, January 26, 2026

From Paris to the Pleiades: a week of unforgettable skies

Planet pairings, lunar highlights, and stunning auroras from the air
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January 26, 2026
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Night Sky This Week
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What's Up This Week?
 
Hello skywatchers!

The night sky is serving up some beautiful treats this week with bright moon meet-ups and planetary pairings. Look for the moon brushing past the Pleiades, Mercury climbing close to Venus after sunset and Jupiter shining alongside a bright gibbous moon as Gemini rises. 

Beyond the night sky itself, this issue also features some unforgettable astrophotos. We're sharing incredible northern lights images captured from 37,000 feet during last week's geomagnetic storm, along with a stunning reader photo of the January full moon leaping past the Eiffel Tower

Here's what to watch for in the nights ahead. 

Daisy Dobrijevic

 
 
Tuesday, Jan. 27: Bright moon near the Pleiades
(Starry Night)
Tuesday, Jan. 27: Bright moon near the Pleiades
The waxing gibbous moon shines just northeast of the Pleiades star cluster in Taurus. The moon's glare may overwhelm the cluster in full darkness, but binoculars during evening twilight will offer the best view.
 
Wednesday, Jan. 28: Mercury climbs past Venus (after sunset) 
(Starry Night)
Wednesday, Jan. 28: Mercury climbs past Venus (after sunset) 
Low in the western sky after sunset, speedy Mercury passes close to brilliant Venus. The pair are binocular-close for several evenings, just be sure the sun has fully set before observing.
 
Thursday, Jan. 29: Mountains around Mare Imbrium
(Starry Night)
Thursday, Jan. 29: Mountains around Mare Imbrium
Low-angle sunlight highlights the mountain chains ringing Mare Imbrium, including the Lunar Alps and the Apennine Mountains. Binoculars or a small telescope reveal dramatic relief along the lunar terminator.
 
Friday, Jan. 30: Moon joins Jupiter in Gemini 
(Starry Night)
Friday, Jan. 30: Moon joins Jupiter in Gemini 
The bright gibbous moon rises near Jupiter in Gemini, crossing the sky together all night. Before dawn, the moon lines up between Jupiter and the star Pollux, making a striking pairing. 
 
 
 
 
Moon Calendar
 
Space.com
Notable moon phase this week: Waxing gibbous moon

The moon is steadily brightening this week as it heads toward full, dominating the evening sky and creating dramatic lunar views. While its glare washes out fainter deep-sky targets, this is an excellent time to explore large lunar features, mountain rangers and crater rims through binoculars or a telescope, especially along the terminator where shadows add depth and texture. 

Want to explore more? Check out our ultimate guide to observing the moon for tips and tools to get the most out of each phase.
 
Read More
 
 
 
 
In The News
 
Space.com
'The most incredible display of aurora I've ever seen in my 20 years of flying'. Pilot captures historic northern lights show from 37,000 feet (photos)
The photos were taken during a severe G4 geomagnetic storm, one of the strongest in years.
 
Read More
 
 
 
 
Solar Eclipse
 
Space.com
Annular solar eclipse 2026: Everything you need to know about the 'ring of fire'
The next annular solar eclipse will occur on Feb. 17, 2026.
 
Read More
 
 
 
 
Northern Lights Forecast
 
Space.com
Aurora forecast Jan. 26 - Northern lights likely to stay quiet tonight, but more activity could be on the horizon
The latest aurora forecast for tonight help you make sure you're in the right place at the right time to see the northern lights.
 
Read More
 
 
 
 
Your Amazing Astrophotos
 
Space.com
January's full Wolf Moon leaps past the Eiffel Tower in stunning photo of Paris skyline
The Wolf Moon is named for the hungry predators that sometimes can be heard howling in the winter month.
 
Read More
 
 
 
 
Astronomy Kit and Accessories
 
Space.com
Best solar viewing gear 2026: Observe partial and total eclipses in safety
The best solar viewing gear available for the next solar eclipse. Spy the best solar glasses, filters, telescopes and binoculars.
 
Read More
 
Space.com
Best night vision binoculars 2026: See in the dark and get a better look at the night sky
The best night vision binoculars range from basic infrared models to quality binoculars that will last a lifetime.
 
Read More
 
 
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