Celestial Events to Watch in 2026

2026 promises to be an exciting year for astronomy enthusiasts. From spectacular meteor showers to rare planetary alignments, here's your guide to the celestial events you won't want to miss.

Meteor Showers

Quadrantids (January 3-4)

Kicking off the year with a bang, the Quadrantids can produce up to 120 meteors per hour at peak. Best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere after midnight.

Lyrids (April 22-23)

A reliable spring shower producing around 20 meteors per hour. Look toward the constellation Lyra after midnight.

Perseids (August 12-13)

The crowd favorite! The Perseids are known for bright meteors and fireballs. Expect 50-100 meteors per hour under dark skies. Perfect for warm summer nights of stargazing.

Geminids (December 13-14)

Often considered the best meteor shower of the year, the Geminids can produce over 150 multicolored meteors per hour at peak.

Lunar Events

Total Lunar Eclipse (March 3)

A total lunar eclipse occurs on March 3, 2026. Totality lasts just under an hour, with best visibility across parts of the Pacific region, Australia, New Zealand, and western North America.

Partial Lunar Eclipse (August 28)

A deep partial lunar eclipse peaks on August 28, 2026 (about 93% of the Moon covered). It will be visible across much of the Americas, Europe, and Africa.

Supermoons

In 2026, the full moons closest to perigee (often called supermoons) occur on:

• January 3 - Wolf Moon
• November 24 - Beaver Moon
• December 23 - Cold Moon

Planetary Highlights

Venus at Greatest Elongation (August 15)

Venus reaches greatest evening elongation on August 15, 2026, making it exceptionally bright after sunset.

Jupiter Opposition (January 10)

Jupiter reaches opposition on January 10, 2026, appearing at its brightest and largest in the night sky.

Saturn Opposition (October 4)

Saturn reaches opposition on October 4, 2026, offering prime viewing of its rings throughout the night.

Special Events

Mercury Elongations

Mercury reaches favorable elongations in 2026 on February 19 (evening) and April 4 (morning). Use binoculars and look low on the horizon just after sunset or before sunrise.

Comet Possibilities

Several comets may become visible to the naked eye or binoculars throughout the year. Check astronomy news for updates.

Tips for Viewing

1. Mark your calendar - Set reminders for peak dates
2. Check the weather - Have backup dates in mind
3. Find dark skies - Escape city lights when possible
4. Be patient - Give your eyes time to adjust
5. Dress warmly - Night air is cold, even in summer

Each of these events represents a unique moment in our cosmic neighborhood—a moment that can be forever captured in a personalized star map.