When to Watch the Southern Delta Aquariids

The Southern Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower is expected to peak around July 29–30, 2026. During ideal conditions, observers may see anywhere from 15 to 20 meteors per hour, though actual rates vary depending on sky conditions and location. The shower originates from debris left behind by Comet 96P/Machholz and appears to radiate from the constellation Aquarius.

According to NASA, the Southern Delta Aquariids are best viewed after midnight when the radiant climbs higher in the sky and meteor activity increases. Unfortunately, the 2026 peak occurs close to a full moon, which may wash out many of the fainter meteors. Even so, brighter meteors should still be visible under Wyoming’s dark skies.

What Is a New Moon?

A new moon occurs when the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, leaving the side facing Earth in shadow. In practical terms, that means the Moon is largely invisible and the sky stays naturally dark throughout the night.

These moonless nights are ideal for:

• Viewing the Milky Way
• Spotting faint deep-sky objects
• Astrophotography
• Guided astronomy tours

When it comes to stargazing in Jackson Wyoming, darker skies almost always mean a better experience.

Protecting the Dark Skies Above Jackson Hole

The exceptional quality of stargazing in Jackson Wyoming didn’t happen by accident. Wyoming Stargazing played a key role in the years-long effort to help Teton County become the world’s first county designated as an International Dark Sky Community.

This achievement reflects a deep commitment to preserving the natural darkness of the night for astronomy, wildlife, and future generations.

Best Viewing Tips

• Head somewhere dark: Get away from city lights for better contrast.
• Check your horizon: Make sure trees or mountains won’t block your view of the Moon.
• Dress for winter conditions: March mornings in Wyoming are still cold so layer up!
• Arrive early: Watching the shadow gradually creep across the Moon is part of the magic.

Why This Eclipse Is Worth Staying Up For

Total lunar eclipses aren’t everyday events. The 2026 lunar eclipse is the only total one of the year, making it a standout sky event for early spring.

There’s something unforgettable about watching the Moon slowly shift from bright silver to deep red over the Tetons. It’s quiet. It’s dramatic. And it reminds you just how dynamic our sky really is.

What Is a Planet Parade?

A planet parade occurs when several planets are visible at the same time, appearing to form a gentle arc across the sky. While the planets aren’t physically close in space, their alignment from Earth’s perspective makes for an unforgettable visual.

In late February, skywatchers in Wyoming can expect to see:

• Venus — brilliant and impossible to miss
• Jupiter — bright and steady
• Saturn — lower on the horizon, but visible
• Mercury — brief and tricky, best just after sunset

With binoculars or a telescope, Uranus and Neptune may also be spotted, making this one of the more exciting winter sky events of the season.

When and Where to Look

Best Time

• 30–60 minutes after sunset
• Late February offers the best window before the planets sink below the horizon

Where to Look

• Choose locations with a clear, unobstructed horizon
• Face west to southwest

Watching the Snow Moon: One of the Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole Wyoming

Not every memorable experience in Jackson Hole involves skis or snowmobiles. Watching the Snow Moon is one of those low-effort, high-impact things to do in Jackson Hole, especially for visitors looking to slow down and take in the scenery.

Why it works so well:

• No telescope required
• Perfect for couples, families, and photographers
• Easy to pair with evening walks, sleigh rides, or après-ski plans

The moonlight reflecting off the Tetons and surrounding snowfields creates a scene that feels straight out of a winter postcard.

Best Places to Watch the Snow Moon Near Jackson Hole

For the best viewing experience, choose locations with open horizons and minimal artificial light:

• Antelope Flats – Wide, open views with iconic mountain backdrops
• Curtis Canyon Overlook – Elevated and quiet, ideal for moonrise
• Shadow Mountain – A local favorite for winter photography
• Grand Teton National Park pullouts – When roads are open and conditions allow

Always check winter road conditions and plan accordingly.

When the Quadrantids Peak (and Why Timing Matters)

The Quadrantids are active from December 26, 2025 through January 16, 2026, but the real action happens fast:
Peak: January 3–4, 2026

Unlike other meteor showers with long, gentle peaks, the Quadrantids have a narrow 6-hour window of maximum activity. That means the best chance to catch their bright, blue-tinged meteors is during the early morning hours before dawn on January 4.

Heads up: The Moon will be nearly full that night, which means visibility of faint meteors will be lower than in dark-sky years. The brightest Quadrantids, however, may still punch through the moonlight.

Where to Look in the Sky

According to EarthSky, the shower’s radiant is located in the old constellation Quadrans Muralis, now part of Boötes – you’ll want to look north-northeast, about halfway up the sky, after midnight.

As always with meteor showers, don’t stare directly at the radiant. Meteors appear all across the sky, so keep your field of view wide.

Winter Viewing Tips for a Brighter Experience

Even with the full Moon working against you, you can still boost your chances:

• Go out after the Moon is low (if timing allows) or position yourself to block it behind a hill, tree line, or ridge.
• Aim for pre-dawn hours, when the radiant is at its highest.
• Dress for extremely cold temps: thermal layers, insulated boots, hand warmers, face covering, and a waterproof outer shell.
• Bring a reclining chair so you can comfortably watch a wide swath of sky.
• Use red-light headlamps to preserve night vision.
• Check weather forecasts early, since Wyoming winter skies can swing from crystal-clear to cloudy in an hour.

How the Full Moon Will Affect Viewing

The January 3 full Wolf Moon is one of 2026’s first supermoons, meaning it’s larger and brighter than average. This is fantastic for photography and less fantastic for meteor-watching.

What it means for the Quadrantids:

• Faint meteors will be drowned out
• You may only see the brightest fireballs
• The radiant will be high, but the Moon’s glare will limit contrast

Why This Wolf Moon Feels Extra Magical

A Supermoon Start to the Year

Because the full moon aligns close to perigee, you’ll see a slightly bigger, brighter disc against the snowy Tetons. The reflection off fresh winter snow amplifies the glow, turning the whole valley into a natural light box.

A Brush of Folklore

Many Native American cultures used the name “Wolf Moon” to mark a time when wolves howled loudest across frozen landscapes. Whether literal or symbolic, the name fits perfectly in Wyoming’s wild, wintery quiet.

Affects on Other Stargazing

The Wolf Moon does steal the show, meaning fainter events like the Quadrantid meteor shower will be washed out for a night or two. But with a supermoon this crisp and bright, you won’t mind.

Best Places to Watch in Jackson Hole

If you want that “winter-postcard-but-real” effect, head somewhere high, dark, and wide-open:

• Grand Teton National Park pullouts – Especially along Antelope Flats and Mormon Row.
• Curtis Canyon Overlook – Wide views with minimal light pollution.
• Shadow Mountain – A local favorite for photographers year-round.
• Snow King Summit – Ride up or hike for panoramic moonrise views over the town.

Bundle up – January nights here don’t play around.

What Makes the Geminid Meteor Shower Special?

• They burn slow and bright, leaving long trails
• They display an array of colors; they can appear white, yellow, or even green
• They’re not from a comet, but an asteroid (3200 Phaethon)
• December skies in Wyoming are famously clear and crisp — great visibility

What to Bring for the Best Experience

• Thermos + warm layers
• Fold-out chair or blanket
• Red-light flashlight
• Optional: DSLR or phone mount for astrophotography
• Weather forecast information
• Patience — your eyes need 20–30 mins to adjust to the dark

What Is the Cold Moon (and Why a Supermoon)?

The “Cold Moon” is the traditional name for the full moon that occurs in December — a month when winter’s chill takes hold and nights grow long.

When this full moon happens near the moon’s closest approach to Earth (perigee), we call it a supermoon. In 2025, this Cold Moon is indeed a supermoon, the third in a row (following October’s Harvest Moon and November’s Beaver Moon).

Why the Cold Moon in Wyoming Is Something to Watch

Because it’s a supermoon, the Cold Moon will be among the largest and brightest full moons of the year. If you’re in a dark location, it will feel like the moon is bringing its own spotlight. According to NASA, while the actual size increase isn’t dramatic, the brightness and perceptual impact are enough to make it memorable.

Combine that with Wyoming’s clean air and minimal light pollution, and you’ve got a front-row seat.

Viewing Tips for the Cold Moon

• Check the weather forecast – Clear, crisp skies are your moonrise partner.
• Get a clear, east-facing horizon – The moon will rise in the east; mountains or foreground features help.
• Bring a camera or telephoto lens – Supermoons look great in silhouette, and the Cold Moon’s glow is perfect for framing.
• Layer up for cold weather – December nights in Wyoming get chilly fast. A blanket and hot cocoa are wise.
• Arrive before moonrise – The biggest “wow” moment often happens when the moon just emerges from the horizon.