01/02/2026
January 3, 2026, isn't just another day in the Solar System. đȘ
While we go about our Saturday, the universe is orchestrating a rare and spectacular "triple alignment" of orbital mechanics right above our heads. Here is exactly what is happening đđ»
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Perigee (The Supermoon): The Moon is swinging by at its closest approach to Earth for this orbital cycle. Because this coincides with the Full Moon phase (the "Wolf Moon"), we are witnessing a Supermoon. It will appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a micro-moon, dominating the night sky with an intense, luminous glow that will make shadows look sharper than usual.
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Perihelion: While it might feel freezing in the Northern Hemisphere, Earth is actually reaching its closest point to the Sun all year! We will be approximately 3 million miles closer to our star today than we were in July. This proximity creates a gravitational slingshot effect, causing Earth to move at its fastest orbital speedâroughly 67,000 mphâas we zip around the Sun.
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Quadrantids Peak: To top it off, we are moving through the debris trail of the asteroid 2003 EH1, triggering the peak of the Quadrantids Meteor Shower. While the bright Supermoon will wash out the fainter shooting stars, the Quadrantids are famous for producing bright "fireballs"âexplosive meteors that can cut through the moonlight and leave glowing trails across the atmosphere.
Itâs not often we get three distinct celestial events converging within a single 24-hour window.
So, if the skies are clear tonight, don't forget to look up. Youâre watching the solar system in motion. đâš