Witnessing the solar eclipse in Menan, Idaho in 2017
Natalie Behring/Getty Images
As the year comes to a close, I find joy in marking my calendar in anticipation of the astronomical events ahead. My highlights for 2026 include a lineup of planetary alignments, various eclipses, and the frequent meteor showers visible across both hemispheres, barring any special notes.
January continues with active solar flares, promising darkened skies in the Northern Hemisphere and ample chances to see the aurora borealis. The Quadrantids meteor shower will peak on January 3, but be aware that the full moon that night may hinder visibility of some of the dimmer meteors.
Throughout January, Jupiter will be shining brightly when it reaches opposition, situating it directly opposite the Sun from Earth’s perspective. This is an excellent opportunity to view this magnificent planet using binoculars or a telescope.
On February 28, you’ll have the chance to view a remarkable six-planet alignment, featuring Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter all visible together shortly after sunset.
A total lunar eclipse will grace parts of North and South America, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands on March 2 and 3. As the moon slips into Earth’s shadow, it will take on a darker, red hue, earning the title Blood Moon.
Noteworthy meteor showers on the calendar include the Lyrids peaking on April 22, the Perseids on August 12, the Leonids on November 17, and the Geminids on December 14.
Alongside these showers, don’t miss the total solar eclipse on August 12. Observers in select locations will see the moon blocking the sun entirely, reminiscent of the scene captured in Menan, Idaho, in 2017.
The totality phase, when the sun is completely obscured by the moon, can last up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds. This solar spectacle will be visible in northern Spain, the Balearic Islands, parts of Russia, Greenland, and Iceland, while a partial solar eclipse will be observable from many other regions worldwide. Following this, a partial lunar eclipse, or Blood Moon, is slated for August 28.
If you possess a powerful telescope, mark September 25 as the prime opportunity to observe Neptune, as it will be at its closest to Earth, fully illuminated by the Sun. Additionally, on October 4, Saturn reaches opposition, making it the optimal time for observing Saturn and its rings through small telescopes all night.
Concluding 2026 are two supermoons; the Beaver Moon on November 24 and another supermoon gracing the sky on Christmas Eve. Enjoy your stargazing experiences!
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Abigail Beer serves as the special features editor of New Scientist and is the author of The Art of Urban Astronomy. Follow @abbybeall
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Source: www.newscientist.com
