{"id":"f-91677779fp1-9dbb378c-3342-5fad-a69d-1cf7aba9915f","title":"Stargazing Guide: January & February 2026 Celestial Wonders for Indian Skies","description":"Discover the celestial events gracing the skies of India in January and February 2026. From planetary parades to the dazzling \"Snow Moon,\" this guide highlights key astronomical sights and when to best observe them.","timestamp":1772164430,"category":"travel_and_lifestyle","headline":"Stargazing Guide: January & February 2026 Celestial Wonders for Indian Skies","modifiedHeadline":"Stargazers: Celestial Events Light Up 2026 Skies","subCategories":["scid_a590dd49"],"subcategoriesName":["Nature"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"b162fe12-9cac-4117-a958-cc0604a457de","bundleTitle":"Science Simplified","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"472","fcSummary":"january and february 2026 promise stunning celestial events for india. witness meteor showers, planetary alignments, and captivating moon phases. january features the quadrantids shower and opportunities to view saturn alongside the crescent moon. february highlights brilliant jupiter and a possible \"planet parade.\" observe iconic constellations like orion and the winter triangle.","summary":"India stargazers: January & February 2026 offer celestial wonders! Meteor showers, planets, & constellations grace the skies. Don't miss out!","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/Daily_Digest/IN/en/feedpost-specials/f-91677779fp1-9dbb378c-3342-5fad-a69d-1cf7aba9915f","sourceUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/Daily_Digest/IN/en/feedpost-specials/f-91677779fp1-9dbb378c-3342-5fad-a69d-1cf7aba9915f","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/DdnVsjRenlx0.webp","content":"

\n Embark on a cosmic journey through January and February 2026! Uncover breathtaking planetary alignments, moon phases, and constellation sightings perfect for stargazers in India.\n

January's Lunar & Planetary Delights

\n $\"[Descriptive$ \n

As January 2026 unfolds, the night sky offers a captivating display. Early in the month, on January 4th, the Quadrantids meteor shower promises a spectacle

\n \n

of shooting stars, a perfect prelude to the new moon on December 19th and later on January 20th, which provides darker skies ideal for observing fainter celestial objects. The first few weeks will feature opportunities to witness a waning crescent moon appearing on January 16th and again on January 14th alongside Antares before dawn. On January 10th and 11th, look for a last-quarter moon positioned near Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo. The young moon emerges on January 19th, and by January 21st and 22nd, a waxing crescent moon will be visible with the ringed planet Saturn. Later in the month, January 25th presents a first-quarter moon, and by January 29th, the distinctive W-shape of Cassiopeia will be prominent. The month concludes with a near-full moon rising before sunset on January 31st, offering ample illumination for viewing.

\n\n

February's Brightest Planets

\n $\"[Descriptive$ \n

February 2026 is set to be a remarkable month for planet enthusiasts, especially for observers in India. Brilliant Jupiter takes center stage, appearing at its finest on February 15th and dominating the evening sky from February 3rd onwards. By February 10th, a shrinking moon will be seen near Antares before dawn, while on February 18th, a young moon will be accompanied by Mercury. Later in the month, on February 19th, two distinct events occur: a razor-thin crescent moon will shine with Saturn after sunset, and a general crescent moon will be visible with planets. February 20th offers another excellent opportunity to spot Mercury at its best in the evening sky. The month culminates with Jupiter glowing under a waxing moon on February 26th, and by February 26th, the moon will also be seen with Jupiter and the twins of Gemini. This period also features a rare planetary alignment, often referred to as a \"planet parade,\" offering a unique chance to witness multiple planets congregating in the sky.

\n\n

Constellations and Star Patterns

\n $\"[Descriptive$ \n

Beyond the moon and planets, February 2026 invites you to explore iconic constellations and star patterns. On February 2nd, the \"Snow Moon\" pairs with Regulus, the heart of Leo. By February 4th, seek out Capella and the luminous band of the winter Milky Way. The constellation Orion, a prominent winter fixture, will be visible with his hunting dogs on February 5th, and on February 16th, its iconic belt will be a prominent sight. The \"Winter Triangle,\" formed by Sirius, Procyon, and Betelgeuse, will be observable on January 5th and again on February 22nd, marked by the brilliant star Sirius. On February 7th, Leo, the Lion, begins its ascent. The \"Winter Hexagon,\" a large asterism composed of six bright stars, is visible on January 12th. Early in the year, on January 17th, Ursa Major, the Great Bear, can be observed, and on January 18th, Polaris, the North Star, will guide your gaze. The \"Seven Sisters\" of the Pleiades star cluster offers a delicate beauty, particularly on January 8th, January 27th, and February 23rd, when the moon will be nearby.

\n\n

Lunar Events and Occultations

\n $\"[Descriptive$ \n

Throughout January and February 2026, the Moon plays a central role in many observable events. The cycle begins with a new moon on December 19th, followed by a young moon on January 19th and February 18th, providing darker skies. On January 6th, a waning gibbous moon will be seen with Regulus. The waxing crescent moon makes appearances on January 20th and 21st, and again on January 22nd and 23rd, often alongside Saturn. By January 25th, a first-quarter moon will be visible. In February, the \"Snow Moon\" on February 1st will be accompanied by Regulus. A first-quarter moon graces the sky on February 24th. Pay attention to the moon's proximity to various celestial bodies; for instance, it will be near Aldebaran on February 25th and close to the Pleiades on February 23rd and December 31st. Observe the moon's subtle phases, such as the delicate crescent visible on February 19th and again on February 13th as a waning crescent. The phenomenon of Earthshine, where sunlight reflected off Earth illuminates the Moon's unlit portion, is visible around December 22nd.

\n","readDurationInMinutes":"9","author":{"name":"Feedpost Specials","logo":"https://glance-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/bubble/jpeg/d7fdd6b5-4bee-4287-ab8a-8958c18b6f7c.jpeg"},"ism":false,"analyticsResponses":[],"pointerSummary":["Stargazers in India can view cosmic events in Jan/Feb 2026, including meteor showers & planetary alignments.","Brilliant Jupiter dominates evenings in Feb 2026, appearing at its finest on Feb 15th, offering a rare \"planet parade.\"","The waxing crescent moon will be visible with Saturn on Feb 19th, offering excellent viewing opportunities for all."],"tags":["StargazingGuide","India","CelestialEvents","January2026","February2026","QuadrantidsMeteorShower","SnowMoon","PlanetaryAlignments","MoonPhases","Constellations","Saturn","Jupiter","Mercury","Antares","Spica","Cassiopeia","Regulus","Capella","MilkyWay","Orion","WinterTriangle","Sirius","Procyon","Betelgeuse","Leo","WinterHexagon","UrsaMajor","Polaris","Pleiades","LunarEvents","Earthshine","Astronomy"],"redirectionEnabled":false,"consent":true}

Stargazing Guide: January & February 2026 Celestial Wonders for Indian Skies

SUMMARY