Latest Release
History
January was named for the Roman god Janus, known as the protector of gates and doorways, which symbolize beginnings and endings. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other with the ability to see into the future. What a fitting symbol for this first day of the year; this month is our door into the new year. The Romans often made promises to Janus and exchanged good wishes.
Astronomical Events
On January 3, 2026, Earth reached perihelion, which is the point in the planet’s orbit where it is closest to the Sun. At perihelion, Earth was only 91,403,637 miles from our bright star.
January’s Moon is called the Wolf Moon. The Saxon word for the month was Wulf-monath or “wolf month.” This year, the Full Moon reached peak illumination on Saturday, January 3, at 5:03 A.M. EST.
The Quadrantid meteors appear in the early January sky, producing up to 25 meteors per hour at their peak. They’ll be at their best on the night of January 4 into January 5. For the best chance at spotting them, venture out between midnight and dawn (if you can stand the cold).
Holidays and Traditions
1st New Year's Day
5th Twelfth Night
6th Epiphany
17th Benjamin Franklin's birthday
19th Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Dear New Year's Resolution,
Well, it was fun while it lasted.
Sincerely,
January 2nd
- Fun facts are from The Old Farmer's Almanac online