Astronomy Picture of the Day - Full Moonlight

NASA ^ | 3 Jan, 2026 | mage Credit & Copyright: Zhengjie Wu and Jeff Dai (TWAN)

[MtnClimber]

Explanation: The Full Moon is the brightest lunar phase, and tonight you can stand in the light of the first Full Moon of 2026. In fact, the Moon's full phase occurs on January 3 at 10:03 UTC, while only about 7 hours later planet Earth reaches its 2026 perihelion, the closest point in its elliptical orbit around the Sun, at 17:16 UTC. January's Full Moon was also not far from its own perigee, or closest approach to planet Earth. For this lunation the Moon's perigee was on January 1 at 21:44 UTC. You can also spot planet Jupiter, near its brightest for 2026 and close on the sky to the Full Moon tonight. But while you're out skygazing don't forget to look for rare, bright fireballs from the Quadrantid meteor shower.

[MtnClimber]

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For more detail go to the link and click on the image for a high definition image. You can then move the magnifying glass cursor then click to zoom in and click again to zoom out. When zoomed in you can scan by moving the side bars on the bottom and right side of the image.

[MtnClimber]

[MtnClimber]

Pinging the APOD list

🪐 🌟 🌌 🍔

[Diogenesis]

[No name given]

Wow.

[No name given]

Cool.

[SkyDancer]

Like ya wanna sit in a chair and howl at it. (adult beverage not included)

[AloneInMass]

I saw it rise over rural Maine last night. GIGANTIC!

[Hebrews 11:6]

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore.

[null and void]

When a eel lunges out
and bites off your snout
that’s a moray

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Watch out for The Loup Garou!

[aspasia]

aka Harrison Ford?

[MS.BEHAVIN]

??

[Hebrews 11:6]

Ouch!

[null and void]

When the screens are askew
that pattern you view
That’s a Moiré

[norwaypinesavage]

The Super Wolf Moon this morning was spectacular, especially with Jupiter and Saturn overlooking it.

[SkyDancer]

Here in the great PNW the weather systems have prevented us from seeing great things in the sky.