2026 will feature lunar and solar eclipses, aligned planets, an eight-year supermoon, and multiple meteor showers. For star gazers it is going to be packed year with treasured sightings. Here’s all you can look forward to.
This year will be busy for avid skywatchers, with some incredible opportunities to view meteor showers, planets, and the Moon in the night sky.
The catch is, you don’t need fancy equipment to enjoy these celestial wonders. Some of them can be seen with the naked eye or a pair of beginner binoculars.
February 28: Planetary Parade
On February 28, we will see not one, not two, but six planets in the evening sky. Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter will appear shortly after sunset.
Four of those planets will be visible to the unaided eye if the weather permits. However, only those with optical assistance will be able to view Uranus and Neptune.
March 3: Total Lunar Eclipse
In March, a total lunar eclipse will be visible for those in North America, especially for those on the West Coast. This event is for the earlier risers, as it will occur right before sunrise on the 3rd.
Lunar eclipses occur when Earth is positioned precisely between the Moon and Sun – shading the Moon in Earth’s shadow.
May 31: Full Blue Moon
A Blue Moon signifies the rare occasion of having a second full moon in one month. We will get one of these rare Blue Moons at the end of May.
This means, there will be a total of 13 full Moons in 2026. But don’t be fooled by the name, this moon will not actually be blue in color.
June 8-9: Venus and Jupiter Conjunction
We will be treated to another special planetary event this year when the two brightest planets in the sky – Venus and Jupiter – will appear only a pinky finger apart in June. No telescopes will be required for this one!
August 12: Total Solar Eclipse
This is a significant event for Europe, with its path of totality crossing Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain. It will be the first total eclipse in mainland Europe since 1999.
August 12-13: Perseids Meteor Shower
The best annual meteor shower is ready to put on a show this year. With a New Moon in the sky, we should have excellent viewing opportunities across most of the world, given the weather is favourable.
December 13-14: Geminids Meteor Shower
Another great annual meteor shower, ’the Geminids’ will also show off for us this year. Step outside right after midnight to catch these famous ‘green’ meteors streak across the sky.
December 24: Supermoon
To end the year, we are being treated to a special Christmas Eve Supermoon. A ‘supermoon’ occurs when a full Moon is closest to Earth, making it appear bigger and brighter.
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