A Stellar Year Ahead: Cosmic Events of 2026

Sun Dec 28 2025 19:00:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Prepare for an extraordinary year in 2026 as the moon, sun, and stellar phenomena capture the skies with remarkable events including lunar missions, eclipses, and supermoons.

2026 promises to be a thrilling year for space enthusiasts with significant astronauts' missions to the moon, multiple lunar landings, captivating eclipses, planetary parades, and mesmerizing auroras. Key highlights include a total solar eclipse in August, a ring-of-fire eclipse in February, and three supermoons illuminating the night sky. Additionally, the return of interstellar comet 3I/Atlas adds to the celestial excitement as scientists expect more interstellar visitors in the future.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The year 2026 is set to be a celestial spectacle, with multiple events sure to excite astronomers and the public alike. Top of the list is the moon, ready to reclaim its role in history as NASA's Artemis missions prepare to take astronauts back to the lunar surface for the first time in over 50 years.

As the year progresses, January will kick off with a supermoon, followed by an astronomical blue moon in May. The sun isn't left out, with exciting solar events including a ring-of-fire eclipse in February and a total solar eclipse in August, promising breathtaking views and a remarkable darkening of the sun.

Notably, comet 3I/Atlas, which recently passed Earth, is fading but still visible through high-powered telescopes. It is expected to glide past Jupiter later in the year before returning to interstellar space.

Moon Missions and Robotic Explorations

NASA's upcoming moon missions will mark a historic return to lunar exploration, with hopes of discovering new areas of the moon not seen by Apollo astronauts. Furthermore, private companies like Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin aim to launch prototypes for future lunar missions as part of NASA's Artemis program.

China is also breaking ground with plans to send rovers and hoppers to the moon's south pole, aiming to search for valuable water ice.

Exciting Eclipses

Mark your calendars for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, which will be visible across parts of the Arctic and southern Europe. The year will also feature a ring-of-fire eclipse on February 17, limited to select locations, along with multiple lunar eclipses.

Planetary Alignments

In February, an impressive alignment of six planets will be visible in the night sky, consummating with a nearly full moon beside Jupiter after sunset. While Mars will miss this particular alignment, it will rejoin five others later in August.

Supermoons Light the Skies

Throughout the year, three supermoons will adorn the night sky, with increased visibility due to their proximity to Earth during their orbit. The much-anticipated Christmas Eve supermoon will appear particularly close, no more than 221,668 miles from our planet.

Auroras Await

Finally, as solar activity is predicted to rise, more auroras could illuminate the skies. Experts expect a decline into calmer sun cycles, but 2026 will still provide ample opportunities for awe-inspiring celestial displays.

With all these events lined up, 2026 is indeed shaping up to be a thrilling year for space enthusiasts and curious observers alike, offering endless opportunities to witness the wonders of our universe.