Derekscope

• With binoculars, look for the Moon near Jupiter, you’ll spot all four of Jupiter’s moons.
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Algol Minima

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• The bright variable star Beta Persei (Algol) will reach its minimum brightness at 05:13 am in the early morning on Sunday 4th January and will be visible from the UK.
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• Here’s a list of upcoming minimum brightness times for Algol – read more.

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• The Quadrantid meteor shower will peak on the night of Saturday 3rd January 2026, with the sharp maximum expected in the early hours of Sunday 4th January.
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• It is one of the strongest annual showers, but its peak lasts only a few hours.
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• Up to 80–120 meteors per hour under ideal dark-sky conditions.
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• Unfortunately, a bright full Moon occurs on 3rd January, which will wash out many fainter meteors ~ Observers should block the Moon from view and focus on the brighter Quadrantids.
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• The Quadrantids are visible across the entire Northern Hemisphere, including the UK, and they radiate from a point in the sky near the constellation Boötes, close to the Ursa Major (the Plough).
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• BSL Version

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Moon After Yule

• Moon After Yule
  – The Moon After Yule is simply the first full moon after the Yule festival (winter solstice).
  – Bright midwinter moon, rising in Gemini.
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• It reminds us that although nights are still long, daylight is slowly returning after Yule.
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• Traditional Full Moon Names and their Meanings
  – Full Moon names reflect seasonal changes and natural rhythms observed by early cultures, particularly those influenced by UK colonial traditions and Native American heritage.
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  – Learn more about traditional Full Moon Names and their Meanings ~ Read more.
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• Jupiter’s largest moon, Callisto will slip into Jupiter’s shadow at midnight, disappearing from view in telescopes.
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• Callisto, being the outermost Galilean moon, experiences fewer eclipses than Io, Europa, or Ganymede.
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• BSL Version

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The Moon at perigee

• The Moon will reach perigee, its closest point to Earth, at 21:44 / 9.44pm today.
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• Already quite large and bright in the constellation Taurus , as it’s approaching full phase and perigee.
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(This photo of Northern Lights was captured
in Milton Keynes on Friday 10th May 2024.)

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Stay up-to-date with all of our most interesting
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• Your thoughts will guide us in making astronomy more accessible and inspiring for everyone.
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• Your guide to the night sky this month, and a guide for binoculars, and telescope deaf owners, compiled by Derek Rowley.
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• Click the blue link below for more information;

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Astronomy Highlights for January 2026

( BSLis available to make this event accessible.)

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Quadrantids Meteor Shower starts tonight

• That date marks the beginning of its activity window, which runs from Sunday 28th December 2025 to Monday 12th January 2026, with a sharp peak on Saturday 3rd thru Sunday 4th January 2026.
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• Meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Boötes, near the Big Dipper.
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• The radiant rises late in the evening for UK observers.
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• The Moon reaches its First Quarter phase at 18:13 pm, with 50% illumination in the constellation Pisces (The Fishes).
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• High in the southern sky during early evening – ideal for public viewing and photography.
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