Astrotourism in Nelson County

Tap into your inner astronomer and admire the breathtaking views of the Dark Skies of Nelson County

January brings a strong lineup of celestial sights, including a supermoon, meteor activity, and several close moon-planet encounters so grab your favorite beanie and stoke the fire…we’re wishing on stars this month!

January doesn’t skimp on cosmic sightseeing. The month begins with a vibrant supermoon, continues with the year’s best Jupiter view, and ends with multiple moon-planet conjunctions.

Here’s what to watch for in the night sky this month, with tips on snagging the best view.

Sirius reaches its highest point in the sky—January 1

As the new year begins, the night sky has its own midnight marker. Sirius, the brightest star visible from Earth, reaches its highest point of the year just after midnight—earning it the nickname the “New Year’s star.” This year’s late-night sight is extra special. Right above Sirius in the southern sky, you’ll find Jupiter, the nearly full moon, and Orion’s three-dot belt.

Quadrantid meteor shower peaks—January 2-3

Typically, the Quadrantid meteor shower is prolific, with up to 25 shooting stars per hour. Yet during the 2026 peak, which runs overnight from January 2 to 3, the full moon will wash out all but the brightest streaks. According to the American Meteor Society, this year’s Quadrantids peak will bring fewer than 10 visible meteors per hour under pristine conditions. For the best odds, head out in the pre-dawn hours. That’s when the shower’s radiant, near the Big Dipper, is highest in the sky.

Supermoon—January 3

Catch a dramatic supermoon during the first weekend of the year. The spectacle, which occurs when the moon’s full phase coincides with its close approach to Earth, can make the orb appear up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than usual. The January 3 moon reaches peak illumination around 5 a.m. EST—but that’s not necessarily the best time to spot it. The full moon looks especially supersized near the horizon, so watch around moonrise (sunset) or moonset (sunrise).

Jupiter at opposition—January 9-10

For the best Jupiter sighting of 2026, look skyward on the nights of January 9 and 10. The gas giant reaches opposition, the period when Earth lies between the fifth planet and the sun. It’s also closer to Earth than it has been since December 2024; it won’t get this close again until 2027. Jupiter’s positioning makes it appear larger and more luminous than usual. Find it in the east around sunset, near the Gemini constellation. It forms a pyramid with Sirius and Orion’s belt.

New moon—January 19

While the supermoon grabs headlines, the mid-January new moon is just as important—especially for stargazers. The absence of moonlight can make the stars and deep-space objects like the Beehive Cluster, Orion Nebula, and the Andromeda Galaxy more visible. The new moon will occur on January 19: weather-permitting, the few nights before and after this promise inky-sky stargazing, too.

Moon nears Saturn and Neptune—January 22-23

Watch the thin crescent moon and bright Saturn travel the sky in close proximity on the nights of January 22 and 23. Neptune, spotted via strong binoculars or a telescope, will hover near the duo, too. They’ll shine above the southwest horizon after sunset, and will remain up for a few hours before setting in the west.

(Saturn now has a ridiculous number of moons.)

Moon meets Pleiades—January 27

The waxing gibbous moon will transit close to the Pleiades star cluster the night of January 27. Stargazers in the U.S. will see them hang near each other all night, while those in Europe, northern Africa, and surrounding areas can enjoy a true lunar occultation—when the moon slides across several of the cluster’s stars. While the Pleiades is among the sky’s most visible star clusters, binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view.

Moon-Jupiter conjunction—January 30-31

The month ends quite like it began: with a Jupiter-moon conjunction. Overnight from January 30 to 31, the waxing gibbous moon and Jupiter will move close together all night. You can watch the pair right after sunset above the eastern horizon. They’ll glide across the sky throughout twilight and the early morning before setting in the northwest at sunrise.

Exceptional Orion viewing—All month

Stargazers can admire the Orion constellation from roughly November to March in the northern hemisphere, but January is one of the best months to see the famed hunter. The winter constellation reaches its highest point from January into February, and remains visible nearly all night, from just after sundown into the early morning hours. It’s flanked by Jupiter and the Pleiades star cluster all month, too.

Astronomical League for information and printable handouts useful for everyone from the casual observer to the moradvanced amateur astronomer. They also offer printable handouts fo every month of the year, centered around what’s up in the sky mid-month.

Devils Backbone Dark Skies Camping

We’re excited to help shine a light on the importance of preserving our incredible night skies here in the Blue Ridge 🌌

From now through December 31^st, book any campsite at Devils Backbone Camp with code DARKSKIES and get 20% off your stay*. Whether you’re here to hike, stargaze, or sip a cold one, there’s no better place to enjoy the beauty of Nelson County than right here at Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows. Book your stay now at https://www.dbbrewingcompany.com/camp-at-basecamp and visit the link in our bio to learn more about the Dark Skies initiative. *BLACKOUT DATES AND RESTRICTIONS APPLY.