Must-See 2026 Space Events: Canadian Astronaut’s Moon Mission Highlights
The year 2026 promises to be an exciting time for space enthusiasts. Numerous celestial events are set to unfold, along with significant missions including a Canadian astronaut’s journey to the Moon. From meteor showers to eclipses, there’s plenty for skywatchers to anticipate.
Must-See 2026 Space Events: Meteor Showers
One of the most accessible astronomical events is meteor showers. The year begins with the Quadrantids, which span from December 28 to January 12. The peak occurs on the night of January 2 and into January 3, potentially producing over 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
This year, viewing the Quadrantids might be challenging due to a full moon brightness. Consequently, catching a glimpse depends significantly on weather conditions and timing.
Following this, the Perseid meteor shower will occur from July 17 to August 24, peaking around August 12-13. Expect approximately 150 meteors per hour, especially beneficial due to a new moon offering dark skies for optimal viewing.
The Geminid meteor shower concludes the year, running from December 4 to December 17, with peak activity from December 13-14. This shower also promises 150 meteors per hour, and a waxing crescent moon will not hinder visibility.
Canadian Astronaut to the Moon
A landmark event for 2026 is NASA’s Artemis II mission, marking a major advancement in lunar exploration. A key highlight is the participation of Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The mission is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on February 5.
During this nearly 10-day mission, the crew will orbit Earth several times before heading to the Moon for a complete orbit. This mission will take astronauts farther into space than any previous crewed mission, surpassing Apollo 13’s distance in 1970.
Upcoming Eclipses in 2026
In addition to meteor showers, 2026 will feature several noteworthy eclipses. A total lunar eclipse is set to occur on March 3, visible across Canada, especially along the West Coast and Northwest Territories.
A significant solar eclipse will take place on August 12, with totality covering parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. In Canada, a partial solar eclipse will be observable, particularly in central and eastern regions. Following this, a partial lunar eclipse will occur on August 28, affecting much of the country.
Exciting Space Missions
2026 will see several exciting space missions beyond Artemis II. Rocket Lab plans to launch a mission to Venus in the summer, following discoveries related to phosphine in its atmosphere. This mission aims to investigate whether organic material exists in the clouds of Venus.
Additionally, Japan’s Martian Moon Exploration mission is set to launch, focusing on Phobos and Deimos, the moons of Mars. It aims to collect samples from Phobos and return them to Earth.
Lastly, the anticipated Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope could launch as early as fall 2026. This mission aims to explore dark matter and dark energy, constituting around 75% of the universe.
Conclusion
With a lineup of meteor showers, historic lunar missions, and exciting eclipses, 2026 is poised to be an unforgettable year for astronomy. Keep your eyes on the skies for these remarkable events!
