A new study from The Action Network ranks Nevada No. 6 nationwide for January night-sky viewing, ahead of the Wolf Moon (Jan. 3) and the Quadrantid meteor shower (Jan. 4–12), one of the most significant night-sky events of the year.
The analysis evaluated all 50 states using 10 equally weighted metrics spanning sky darkness, light pollution, weather conditions, air clarity, elevation, astronomical geometry, and real-world meteor and fireball observations.
Key Highlights: Why Nevada Ranks No. 6
• Strong overall viewing odds: Nevada posts an implied probability of 22.73% (+340 odds), placing it among the top states nationwide for January night-sky viewing.
• Extensive dark-sky coverage: An estimated 96.42% of Nevada’s land area falls within Bortle 1–3 dark-sky zones, one of the highest shares in the U.S., minimizing artificial light interference.
• Favorable meteor geometry: Nevada records an average meteor radiant height of 30.35° above the horizon, improving visibility during the Quadrantid meteor shower peak.
• High-elevation clarity: With an average elevation of 5,500 feet, Nevada benefits from thinner air that supports clearer views of lunar and meteor activity.
• Clean winter air: January PM2.5 levels average 5.90, supporting strong atmospheric clarity during peak night-sky events.
Together, these factors make Nevada one of the most reliable states in the country for viewing January’s back-to-back night-sky events.
A spokesperson from The Action Network commented:
“January is one of the best months of the year for night-sky watching, but conditions vary widely depending on location. The Wolf Moon on January 3 is one of the year’s few supermoons, making it a particularly popular target for winter skywatchers, followed immediately by the Quadrantid meteor shower peaking on January 4—one of the strongest meteor displays of the year.
Nevada stands out thanks to its vast dark-sky regions, favorable meteor geometry, and high elevation, which together create excellent conditions for enjoying both events.”
Top 10 U.S. States for January Night-Sky Viewing
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Wyoming
- Montana
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- Maine
- California
- Arizona
- Utah
The full study, including rankings, implied probabilities, and American-style odds for all 50 states, can be found here:
https://www.actionnetwork.com/entertainment/where-in-america-is-the-supermoon-most-visible