Overview
- Jupiter’s opposition places it opposite the Sun in Earth’s sky, bringing optimal visibility and exceptional brightness.
- The Quadrantids are forecast to peak on January 3 around 21:00 with a low north‑northeast radiant, but a full Moon in Gemini will wash out most meteors.
- Only the Sun, Moon and Venus outshine Jupiter at this time, and small telescopes reveal its cloud bands along with Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.
- Earth reaches perihelion on January 3, a routine orbital milestone that slightly shortens the Northern Hemisphere winter.
- A total solar eclipse will cross Spain on August 12, 2026, with much of Germany experiencing a deep partial eclipse of up to about 90% coverage.