If you’re (or want to be) a stargazer, 2026 will offer many special events for you to view for the experienced and novices.
The moon and Jupiter are key players in January.
Ringing in the New Year
Sirius, the brightest star visible from Earth, will reach it’s highest point in the sky as the new year arrives. Jupiter and an almost full moon will also be viewable on Janaury 1.
Quandrantid Meteor Shower Peak
On January 2 and 3 you can catch the peak of Quandrantid.
Supermoon Coming Up!
If you followed the Night Sky 2025, you probably noticed that the year ended with a rare succession of supermoons on 10/07, 11/05, and the final of the year on 12/04.
January 3 will offer the first of three supermoons for 2026. The “wolf moon” will be visible over the first weekend of the year. You’ll have to wait until November for the next one.
Jupiter’s Closet Position Since 2024
On 01/09-10, Jupiter will be in opposition and provide the best viewing for the year.
End of the Month
At the end of January features the conjunction of Jupiter and the moon on January 30/31.
Check back the last week of the month for February events list.
How Will Passage of the New Budget Impact Education?
Time will tell is both the short and the long answer.
We know that there are or soon will be blanket impacts that be felt by nearly every school district in the nation. Some of the provision of the bill won’t take effect until January 2027.
Compulsory Education
One of the most concerning aspects of the bill is the draining of public school funds to divert to the newly created private school voucher program.
Special education faces reduced funding. Critically needed supports may not be there for students, who need extra attention to reach their full potential.
Special education departments are already strained. A loss of funding will make it impossible for them to deliver quality and meaningful services to students.
Now there’s a host of new set of challenges, including stagnant and potentially reduced Pell Grants (video coming 08/12) to changes to student loans.
On a positive note, the exclusion of small business and family farm income from Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation has been restored. The “multi-student discount” has not.
For higher education the loss of funds presents not only budgetary problems but creates an enrollment issue. How or why would students apply to schools with previously strong research departments if those programs will be diminished or cut?
Factors Beyond the Bill
The budget isn’t the only factor causing turmoil in education. The administration is threatening to withhold funding for both K-12 and higher education for a variety of specious reasons. There are multiple lawsuits working their way through the courts.
A number f well-known universities have met the administrations unreasonable and intrusive demands.
School autonomy is under threat by an administration intent on delivering a low-quality education devoid of a factual basis to future generations.
Staying Informed
There are too many changes and impacts to cover in one or two blog posts. I will be addressing the known effects as they are revealed. Many of the communications will be via video. You’re encouraged to subscribe to the “Education Unpacked” YouTube channel for timely and detailed information.
You should also subscribe to national and local publications to learn what is being reported.
Get involved with your child’s PTA/PTO or Building Quality Management Team. There is no better way to see what’s happening than to be involved. Firsthand knowledge is the best knowledge.
