The year 2026 is scheduled to feature a series of astronomical events visible to the naked eye. Observations may be enhanced with the use of binoculars or a telescope. The following details 15 notable skywatching events for 2026.
Planetary Events
- Jupiter at Opposition: On January 10, 2026, Jupiter will reach opposition, aligning with Earth and the Sun. This occurs approximately every 13 months and represents an optimal period for observing the planet due to its brightness and visibility throughout the night.
- Conjunction of Moon, Pleiades, and Venus: A close alignment of the Moon, the Pleiades star cluster, and Venus will be observable after sunset on April 19, 2026.
- Conjunction of Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury: On June 9, 2026, Jupiter and Venus will appear in close proximity (approximately 1.5 degrees apart) in the western sky after sunset. Mercury will also be visible below the two planets.
- Venus as Evening Star: By August 15, 2026, Venus will reach its maximum elongation from the Sun, making it prominent in the evening sky. It will be half-lit in August and brightest in late September, appearing low on the horizon.
- Saturn at Opposition: Saturn will reach opposition on October 4, 2026, positioning Earth between Saturn and the Sun. This provides an enhanced view of the planet. Conjunctions with the Moon are anticipated on September 27, October 24, November 20, and December 18.
- Conjunction of Moon and Mars: On October 5, 2026, Mars and a 32% illuminated waning crescent moon will converge in the early morning sky, separated by approximately 1 degree. The Beehive Cluster (Messier 44) and Jupiter will also be visible nearby.
- Conjunction of Jupiter and Mars: On November 15, 2026, Jupiter and Mars will appear within 1 degree of each other in the predawn sky. Venus and Mercury will also be visible, with Venus appearing near the star Spica.
Lunar Events
- Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon): A total lunar eclipse will occur on March 2-3, 2026. The full Worm Moon will pass through Earth's shadow for 58 minutes, exhibiting a reddish-orange hue. This event will be visible across western North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia, and the Pacific. Totality in North America will be on the night of March 2 or early morning of March 3, depending on time zone.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: A deep partial lunar eclipse is scheduled for August 27-28, 2026. Over 96% of the Moon will enter Earth's shadow, though totality will not be reached. The progression of Earth's shadow across the lunar surface will be visible in North America, South America, and parts of Europe and Africa.
- Christmas Supermoon: On December 24, 2026, a full moon will occur when the Moon is closer to Earth than at any point since 2018. This is one of three supermoons in 2026, with the others on January 3 and November 24. The phenomenon of the 'moon illusion' can be observed during moonrise.
Solar Events
- Total Solar Eclipse: A total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, visible from eastern Greenland, western Iceland, and northern Spain. This marks the first total solar eclipse in mainland Europe since 1999. Maximum totality, lasting 2 minutes and 18 seconds, will occur off the coast of Iceland. A partial solar eclipse will be observable in parts of Europe, northwestern Africa, Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern U.S.
Meteor Showers
- Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower: Peaking on May 5-6, 2026, before midnight, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower is associated with debris from Halley's Comet. It can produce up to 50 meteors per hour. The last-quarter moon will rise around midnight, making early evening the optimal viewing period, particularly from the Southern Hemisphere.
- Perseid Meteor Shower: The Perseid meteor shower will peak on August 12-13, 2026. This coincides with a new moon, allowing for favorable viewing conditions. An estimated 60 to 120 meteors per hour are expected to radiate from the constellation Perseus.
- Leonid Meteor Shower: The Leonid meteor shower is projected to offer favorable viewing conditions on November 17-18, 2026. The peak coincides with a near-first-quarter moon, providing dark skies after midnight, when approximately 15 meteors per hour are anticipated. The Leonids are known for their high-velocity meteors.
- Geminid Meteor Shower: The Geminid meteor shower, associated with asteroid 3200 Phaethon, will peak on December 13-14, 2026, under moonless night skies. Up to 120 meteors per hour are expected under optimal conditions.