2026 offers a wide range of exciting space events, including eclipses and meteor showers. Sky watchers will have plenty to look forward to throughout the year.
February
During an annular solar eclipse, the Moon passes in front of the Sun without fully covering it, creating a glowing “ring of fire.”
Best viewing: Antarctica and parts of southern Africa and South America
February–April — Artemis II Launch Window Opens
NASA’s Artemis II mission will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time since 1972 to test systems for future lunar landings. The crew will not land on the Moon.
Watch live: NASA’s YouTube channel (launch date after February 6)
March
3 — Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon)
The Moon will briefly turn red as it passes fully into Earth’s shadow.
Best viewing: North America, Australia, parts of Europe and Asia
April
4 — Mercury at Greatest Elongation
Mercury reaches its greatest distance from the Sun in the sky, making this the best time of the year to spot the planet shortly after sunset.
Best viewing: Low on the western horizon after sunset
21–22 — Lyrids Meteor Shower Peak
The Lyrids are one of the oldest known meteor showers and can produce bright meteors with occasional fireballs.
Best viewing: Late night to early morning hours
May
5–6 — Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower Peak
Caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, the Eta Aquariids are fast, bright meteors.
Best viewing: Early morning hours before sunrise
June
9 — Venus–Jupiter Conjunction
Venus and Jupiter will appear extremely close together in the morning sky and will be visible to the naked eye.
Best viewing: Early morning hours before sunrise
August
12 — Total Solar Eclipse
A total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. This is the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999.
Partial eclipse visible from: Much of Europe, North America and North Africa
12–13 — Perseid Meteor Shower Peak
One of the most popular meteor showers of the year, the Perseids can produce up to 90 meteors per hour under dark skies.
Best viewing: After midnight under dark skies
28 — Partial Lunar Eclipse
About 93% of the Moon will enter Earth’s shadow, making this eclipse appear nearly total.
Best viewing: The Americas, parts of Europe and Africa
October
4 — Saturn at Opposition
Saturn will be at its brightest and visible all night, making this the best time to observe its rings and moons.
Best viewing: All night with binoculars or a telescope
21–22 — Orionid Meteor Shower Peak
Produced by debris from Halley’s Comet, the Orionids are fast and bright meteors.
Best viewing: After midnight
December
13–14 — Geminid Meteor Shower Peak
Often considered the best meteor shower of the year, the Geminids can produce over 100 meteors per hour.
Best viewing: Around 2 a.m. under dark skies
