161.

The cluster IC 2395 is well placed The open star cluster IC 2395 (mag 4.0) in Vela culminates at around midnight local time. Sat, 31 Jan 2026 (165 days ago) in Vela

162.

The Omicron Velorum cluster is well placed The Omicron Velorum open star cluster (IC 2391; mag 2.5) in Vela culminates at around midnight local time. Sat, 31 Jan 2026 (165 days ago) in Vela

163.

The Beehive cluster is well placed The Beehive open star cluster (M44, NGC 2632, also known as Praesepe; mag 3.1) culminates at around midnight local time. Sat, 31 Jan 2026 (165 days ago) in Cancer

164.

Close approach of the Moon and Jupiter The Moon and Jupiter pass close to each other. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 at 22:38 EDT (166 days ago) in Gemini

165.

Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter The Moon and Jupiter share the same right ascension, at a separation of 3°50'. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 at 21:29 EDT (166 days ago) in Gemini

166.

The Moon at perigee The Moon makes its monthly closest approach to the Earth, appearing larger than at other times of the month – though only very fractionally. Thu, 29 Jan 2026 at 16:45 EDT (167 days ago) in Taurus

167.

Lunar occultation of Beta Tauri The Moon will pass in front of Beta Tauri (Elnath), creating a lunar occultation visible from countries and territories including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and Solomon Islands amongst others. Thu, 29 Jan 2026 at 05:53 EDT (167 days ago) in Taurus

168.

Close approach of the Moon and M45 The Moon and M45 pass close to each other. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 at 16:29 EDT (169 days ago) in Taurus

169.

Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) reaches peak brightness Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) is forecast to reach the brightest point in its 2026 apparition. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 (170 days ago) in Grus

170.

Moon at First Quarter The Moon reaches first quarter phase – appearing high in the sky at sunset and remaining visible until around midnight. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 at 23:47 EDT (170 days ago) in Aries

171.

The cluster NGC 2547 is well placed The open star cluster NGC 2547 (mag 4.7) in Vela culminates at around midnight local time. Fri, 23 Jan 2026 (173 days ago) in Vela

172.

Asteroid 44 Nysa at opposition Asteroid 44 Nysa makes closest approach to the Earth. Fri, 23 Jan 2026 at 14:10 EDT (173 days ago) in Cancer

173.

Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn The Moon and Saturn share the same right ascension, at a separation of 4°21'. Fri, 23 Jan 2026 at 07:40 EDT (173 days ago) in Pisces

174.

134340 Pluto at solar conjunction 134340 Pluto is unobservable as it passes around the far side of the Sun – marking the end of one apparition and the beginning of the next. Fri, 23 Jan 2026 at 05:19 EDT (173 days ago) in Capricornus

175.

Close approach of the Moon, Saturn and Neptune The Moon, Saturn and Neptune pass close to one another. Fri, 23 Jan 2026 at 03:57 EDT (173 days ago) in Pisces

176.

Venus at aphelion Venus passes the furthest point along its orbit from the Sun. Thu, 22 Jan 2026 at 07:47 EDT (174 days ago) in Capricornus

177.

Mercury at superior solar conjunction Mercury passes around the far side of the Sun. Wed, 21 Jan 2026 at 11:01 EDT (175 days ago) in Capricornus

178.

The cluster NGC 2516 is well placed The open star cluster NGC 2516 (mag 3.8) in Volans culminates at around midnight local time. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 (176 days ago) in Carina

179.

Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) passes perihelion Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) makes its closest approach to the Sun. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 (176 days ago) in Microscopium

180.

γ-Ursae Minorid meteor shower 2026 The γ-Ursae Minorid meteor shower reaches its peak. Mon, 19 Jan 2026 (177 days ago) in Ursa Minor