2026 Celestial Events: Eclipses, Supermoons, Meteor Showers, and Planets to Watch
Stargazers have much to look forward to in 2026, with numerous celestial events promising mesmerizing displays. The year will start with the full Wolf Moon on January 6, marking the first of three supermoons. Jupiter will be visible near the moon, shining brightly in the sky.
Supermoons and Full Moons in 2026
In 2026, there will be a total of 13 full moons, including two in May. This occurrence is commonly referred to as a blue moon. Below are the full moon dates:
- January 6: Wolf Moon
- February 5: Snow Moon
- March 6: Worm Moon
- April 6: Pink Moon
- May 5: Flower Moon
- May 30: Blue Moon
- June 28: Strawberry Moon
- July 28: Buck Moon
- August 26: Sturgeon Moon
- September 25: Harvest Moon
- October 25: Hunter’s Moon
- November 23: Beaver Moon
- December 22: Cold Moon
December’s supermoon will be the closest to Earth, at approximately 221,667 miles away.
Exciting Meteor Showers
Several meteor showers will light up the skies throughout the year. Here are the key dates for meteor showers in 2026:
- Lyrids: April 21-22
- Eta Aquariids: May 5-6
- Southern Delta Aquariids: July 30-31
- Alpha Capricornids: July 30-31
- Perseids: August 12-13
- Orionids: October 21-22
- Southern Taurids: November 4-5
- Northern Taurids: November 11-12
- Leonids: November 16-17
- Geminids: December 13-14
- Ursids: December 21-22
Among these, the Perseids and Geminids are expected to be the most spectacular. The Perseids, in particular, will peak without lunar interference, enhancing visibility.
Notable Eclipses in 2026
This year will also feature significant eclipses. Notably, an annular solar eclipse on February 17 will be visible over Antarctica, creating a “ring of fire” effect. A total solar eclipse will be observable on August 12, covering parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Russia. A total lunar eclipse will cast a reddish hue on March 6 across Asia, Australia, and the Americas, while a partial lunar eclipse can be seen on August 27-28.
Planetary Appearances
February will feature a remarkable conjunction of six visible planets. Key sightings include:
- Venus and Mercury rising near the sunset.
- Jupiter visible in the evening skies, particularly near the moon on February 26.
- Neptune near Saturn, though best viewed with binoculars.
- On June 8-9, Venus and Jupiter will appear in a captivating double planet illusion.
The spectacle continues with Jupiter’s close encounter with the crescent moon on October 6 and a striking alignment of Mars, Jupiter, and Venus throughout December.
Cumulatively, 2026 promises an array of captivating celestial events that will engage and inspire sky-watchers worldwide. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable year of astronomy.
