Astronomical Events Visible in the Southern Sky During 2026

Astronomical Events in the Southern Sky During 2026

The year 2026 will feature several astronomical events visible in the southern sky. These include a total lunar eclipse, a blue Moon, a supermoon, close approaches of bright planets, and a daytime occultation of Jupiter by the Moon. Most of these phenomena will be observable without optical aid, even from urban areas. Annual meteor showers and constellation visibility will also continue throughout the year.

Lunar Events in 2026

A total lunar eclipse is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, March 3. During this event, the full Moon will enter Earth’s shadow, potentially appearing red or coppery due to sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere onto the lunar surface. This refracted light is composed of the red wavelengths of sunlight, similar to the colors observed during sunrises and sunsets. Lunar eclipses are safe to observe directly.

From Australia’s south-east, the period of totality (when the Moon is fully obscured) will occur between 10:04 PM and 11:03 PM local time. Brisbane will observe these times one hour earlier, and Perth three hours earlier. In Aotearoa New Zealand, totality will commence shortly after midnight.

A 'blue Moon' will occur on Sunday, May 31. This term is applied to the second full Moon within a single calendar month, an event that typically happens every two to three years.

A 'supermoon' is predicted for Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve). This phenomenon occurs when a full Moon coincides with the Moon’s closest point to Earth in its monthly orbit, resulting in a slightly larger apparent size.

Planetary Observations in 2026

Between April 19 and 22, before dawn, Mercury, Mars, and Saturn will form a close grouping in the eastern sky. On the evenings of Tuesday, June 9, and Wednesday, June 10, Venus and Jupiter will pass within approximately three lunar diameters of each other from Earth's perspective.

On Tuesday, November 3, the crescent Moon will pass in front of Jupiter. Although occurring during daylight hours, this event will be visible with binoculars. It is critical to avoid pointing binoculars directly at the Sun. Children should be fully supervised during any celestial observations involving optical instruments.

Times for this event vary geographically. In Sydney, the bright edge of the Moon will cover Jupiter at 10:40 AM, with Jupiter reappearing from the Moon's dark edge at 11:39 AM.

December: Geminid Meteor Shower

In mid-December, before dawn, viewing conditions are anticipated for the Geminid meteor shower. This shower occurs as Earth passes through a stream of dust particles left by the asteroid Phaethon. As these particles enter Earth's atmosphere approximately 100 km above the surface, they create brief streaks of light. The year 2026 offers an opportunity for observation due to minimal moonlight interference.

The peak of the shower is projected for the early morning of Tuesday, December 15. Observers should seek dark locations and direct their gaze northward. Meteors will appear to radiate from a point near Castor in the Gemini constellation.

Constellations: Taurus

The zodiac constellation of Taurus, the Bull, will be visible in 2026. This constellation can be located by extending a line from the three stars of Orion’s belt to the bright reddish star Aldebaran. Aldebaran is part of an inverted V-shaped star group, representing the Bull’s head, which belongs to the Hyades star cluster.

Another notable cluster within Taurus is the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters across various cultures, including Australian First Nations. While most observers can typically discern six stars in this compact cluster with the unaided eye, hundreds are visible through a telescope. Research in 2025 suggested the Pleiades may contain significantly more stars than previously estimated.