2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for skywatchers. With a spectacular total solar eclipse crossing Iceland and Spain, multiple lunar eclipses, three supermoons, and excellent conditions for several meteor showers, there's something cosmic to look forward to every month.
This comprehensive calendar covers every major astronomical event of 2026, complete with viewing tips and travel opportunities.
The year kicks off with the first of three supermoons. The Moon will appear slightly larger and brighter than usual as it reaches its closest approach to Earth. This full moon was traditionally called the Wolf Moon by Native American tribes.
The Quadrantids can produce up to 40 meteors per hour at peak. Unfortunately, the full supermoon will wash out most meteors this year. Patient observers may still catch the brightest fireballs. Look toward the constellation Bootes after midnight.
Jupiter will be at its closest and brightest for the year. This is the best time to view and photograph Jupiter and its four largest moons. Even binoculars will reveal the Galilean moons as bright dots flanking the planet.
An annular ("ring of fire") eclipse will be visible from Antarctica and the southern Indian Ocean. The Moon will be too far from Earth to fully cover the Sun, creating a dramatic ring of light. This eclipse won't be visible from populated areas.
Best evening visibility for Mercury this winter. Look low in the western sky just after sunset.
A total lunar eclipse will turn the Moon a rusty red color as it passes through Earth's shadow. Visible from:
This is one of the most accessible lunar eclipses of the year for North American viewers.
The Sun crosses the celestial equator at 14:45 UTC, marking the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Day and night are nearly equal length worldwide.
Mercury reaches its highest point in the morning sky at 27.8 degrees from the Sun. Look east just before sunrise for the best views of the year.
The Lyrids produce about 20 meteors per hour and are known for leaving bright dust trails. The first quarter moon sets after midnight, leaving dark skies for excellent viewing. Meteors radiate from the constellation Lyra.
Produced by debris from Halley's Comet, this shower can produce up to 60 meteors per hour in the Southern Hemisphere (30/hour in the north). The waning gibbous moon will interfere, but brighter meteors will still be visible.
The second full moon of May qualifies as a Blue Moon—a rare event that happens only once every few years. Hence the phrase "once in a blue moon."
The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The Sun reaches its northernmost position at 08:25 UTC, directly over the Tropic of Cancer.
This shower produces about 20 meteors per hour. Unfortunately, the full moon will obscure most meteors this year. Best for Southern Hemisphere observers.
THE celestial event of 2026. A total solar eclipse will sweep across:
Totality lasts up to 2 minutes 18 seconds. A partial eclipse will be visible from Alaska, Canada, western Africa, and the northern United States.
Read Our Complete 2026 Eclipse Guide
EXCELLENT CONDITIONS! The Perseids peak on the same night as the solar eclipse, and with a new moon, there will be no moonlight interference. Expect up to 60+ meteors per hour of bright, colorful shooting stars. This is one of the best Perseid displays in years.
Venus reaches its highest point in the evening sky at 45.9 degrees from the Sun. The "Evening Star" will be brilliant in the western sky after sunset.
A partial lunar eclipse visible from North America, Central America, South America, the Atlantic Ocean, Europe, and Africa. Part of the Moon will darken as it passes through Earth's shadow.
The Sun crosses the celestial equator at 00:06 UTC. First day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere.
Neptune is at its closest and brightest. You'll need a telescope to see it as a tiny blue dot.
The full moon closest to the September equinox, traditionally used by farmers to extend harvest work into the evening.
Saturn is at its closest and brightest for the year. A medium-sized telescope will reveal the stunning ring system and several moons.
A minor shower producing about 10 meteors per hour. Unique among showers, the Draconids are best viewed in the early evening rather than after midnight. The waning crescent moon won't interfere.
Another shower from Halley's Comet debris, producing up to 20 meteors per hour. The waxing gibbous moon sets after midnight, leaving dark skies for early morning viewing.
A long-running minor shower producing 5-10 meteors per hour. Known for producing occasional bright fireballs. The waning crescent moon won't interfere significantly.
The Leonids produce about 15 meteors per hour in normal years. The waxing gibbous moon sets after midnight, leaving dark skies for an excellent early morning show.
The second supermoon of 2026. The Moon will appear larger and brighter than average.
Uranus is at its closest and brightest. It appears as a tiny blue-green dot even in powerful telescopes.
THE KING OF METEOR SHOWERS! The Geminids can produce up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour—the most prolific shower of the year. With the waxing crescent moon setting early, 2026 offers excellent viewing conditions. Don't miss this one!
Learn what makes the Geminids so special →
The shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The Sun reaches its southernmost position at 20:49 UTC.
A minor shower producing 5-10 meteors per hour. Unfortunately, the near-full supermoon will wash out most meteors.
The final supermoon of 2026 closes out the year. Also known as the Long Nights Moon.
| Shower | Peak Date | Meteors/Hour | Moon Interference | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quadrantids | Jan 3-4 | 40 | Full Moon | Poor |
| Lyrids | Apr 22-23 | 20 | Low | Good |
| Eta Aquariids | May 6-7 | 30-60 | Moderate | Fair |
| Delta Aquariids | Jul 28-29 | 20 | Full Moon | Poor |
| Perseids | Aug 12-13 | 60+ | None (New Moon) | Excellent |
| Draconids | Oct 7 | 10 | Low | Good |
| Orionids | Oct 21-22 | 20 | Moderate | Good |
| Taurids | Nov 4-5 | 5-10 | Low | Fair |
| Leonids | Nov 17-18 | 15 | Moderate | Good |
| Geminids | Dec 13-14 | 120 | Low | Excellent |
| Ursids | Dec 21-22 | 5-10 | Full Moon | Poor |
With the total solar eclipse in August and excellent meteor shower conditions, 2026 offers incredible opportunities for celestial travel. Consider booking early for popular eclipse destinations like Iceland and Spain.