Stargazing (10th Jan 2026) : Jupiter @ opposition & Terminator Line Expedition – Lunar & Night Sky Exploration near Pune & Mumbai

Dates: Saturday, January 10 – Sunday, January 11, 2026
Moon Phase: Last Quarter
Location: Nisargshala, Sahyadris near Pune

This week (Jan 8-10), Jupiter shines at its brightest & closest to Earth during opposition! See it rise east after sunset, fully lit all night in Gemini. Telescope views reveal cloud bands + 4 Galilean moons. Last Quarter Moon joins Jan 10 for epic sights

Experience the dramatic shadows along the Moon’s terminator at the Terminator Line Expedition. The Last Quarter Moon highlights lunar craters, mountains, and valleys in stunning relief, perfect for detailed observation and lunar photography.

🌕 What You’ll See

Moon Features (Telescopes / Binoculars)

• Clavius Crater – large and prominent

• Bailly Crater – impressive southern crater

• Southern Highlands – rugged terrain with shadowed valleys

• Dramatic shadow play along the terminator enhancing lunar relief

With Unaided Eyes / Binoculars

• Constellations Orion, Gemini, Cancer, Leo

• Bright stars and clusters visible in winter skies

Deep Sky Objects

• Beehive Cluster (M44) in Cancer

• M67 – an open cluster in Cancer

• NGC 2264 – Christmas Tree Cluster and Cone Nebula

🌠 Why Join Terminator Line Expedition?

• Observe the Moon’s Last Quarter for maximum topographic contrast

• Guided telescopic and binocular sessions for lunar and night sky viewing

• Learn constellation spotting and lunar photography techniques

• Safe, eco-friendly camping near Pune & Mumbai

• Ideal for families, students, and astronomy enthusiasts

📍 Event Details

• Check-in: 4:00 PM, Saturday, Jan 10

• Check-out: 6:00 AM, Sunday, Jan 11

• Inclusions: Evening snacks, veg dinner, overnight tent stay, early morning tea

✅ What to Bring

• Warm clothing for January nights

• Torch with red filter (to preserve night vision)

• Binoculars / telescope (optional – shared scopes provided)

• Personal essentials & refillable water bottle