15 Skywatching Events You Won't Want to Miss in 2026
15 Skywatching Events You Won't Want to Miss in 2026
Prepare for an exhilarating year of celestial spectacles in 2026, featuring a total solar eclipse, dramatic blood moon, and festive supermoon that will captivate skywatchers worldwide. This guide highlights 15 unmissable events, blending lunar wonders, meteor showers, and planetary alignments to ignite your passion for the night sky.
Top Lunar and Eclipse Highlights
Kick off with January's blood moon, a stunning total lunar eclipse where Earth's shadow turns the moon crimson. August brings a total solar eclipse, plunging daytime skies into twilight across select regions—prime for safe viewing with proper glasses. November's festive supermoon dazzles as the full moon peaks closest to Earth, appearing larger and brighter amid holiday cheer. These events offer naked-eye thrills, perfect for family gatherings under dark skies.
Meteor Showers and Planetary Marvels
October's Draconids peak on the 7th with swift meteors from Draco, ideal early evening from remote spots. Orionids follow on October 21-22, radiating from Orion after midnight. Geminids climax December 13-14, delivering up to 120 shooting stars per hour from Gemini under moonless conditions. Catch Mercury's eastern elongation in June for evening views, plus conjunctions blending stars and planets. Mark your calendar now for unforgettable cosmic displays.
