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3 Reasons to observe this month

by | Jan 1, 2026 | Uncategorized


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Planets

 

Jupiter and Saturn set the rhythm of January nights. Jupiter climbs higher in the sky as the hours pass, while Saturn can be observed right after nightfall… before slipping below the horizon.

 

Observation tip: start your evening with Saturn, then enjoy Jupiter later.

A Cluster in the Tadpole Nebula (NGC 1893)

 

About 12,000 light-years away, NGC 1893 is an open cluster nestled in the heart of the Tadpole Nebula (IC 410). You’ll see young stars born from the surrounding gas — a stellar nursery that is still active.

 

Observation tip: a few minutes are enough to spot the cluster, but wait longer to glimpse the emission nebula.

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The Monkey Head Nebula (NGC 2174)

 


In Orion, about 6,400 light-years away, NGC 2174 stretches across an active star-forming region. Its ionized gas is lit up by young stars, but the overall glow remains subtle — it needs time to reveal itself.

 

Observation tip: this is a faint target — plan on about 30 minutes of observing under a good sky.

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M74: Photo Credit Stuart fort

See you next month for more reasons to look up!

Happy stargazing with UNISTELLAR.

Further readings

Titan’s shadows

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This summer, the ringed planet Saturn takes centre stage in our night sky, offering amateur astronomers a rare opportunity to observe fascinating transient events.