Major Lunar Standstill
Thu, 22 Jan
|Global Event
The Major Lunar Standstill occurs on January 22, 2026, marking the moment when the Moon’s orbit reaches its maximum declination, or widest swing, relative to Earth’s equator.
Time & Location
22 Jan 2026, 10:00 am
Global Event
About the event
What is the Major Lunar Standstill?
The Major Lunar Standstill is an 18.6-year cycle where the Moon's orbit tilts to its maximum, reaching the widest north-south swing across the sky relative to Earth's equator. This happens when the Moon's nodes align with the equinoxes, causing extreme rise and set points on the horizon. The current cycle peaks from 2024 to 2025, with key moments like the ascending node crossing on January 22, 2026, at 10:03 AM AEST (00:03 UTC). During this period, the Moon travels a "hillier" path, visible especially at full moons, making it great for sky observation.
In January, with winter in the North and summer in the South, it lines up with clear nights for viewing the Moon's dramatic arcs.
The Significance of the Major Lunar Standstill:
🌙 Extreme Lunar Path: The Moon hits its farthest north and south spots, leading to standout rise and set views…