2026 Astronomy Calendar

Astronomical Events

Explore upcoming eclipses, meteor showers, supermoons, and other celestial events in 2026

8
Upcoming Events
13
Total Events

Lyrid Meteor Shower

April 22, 2026

Peak: Night of April 22-23

Meteor Shower
In 37 days

The Lyrid meteor shower will reach its maximum activity with fast, bright meteors.

Visibility
Global

Details

  • Peak rate: 10-20 meteors per hour
  • Known for occasional bright fireballs
  • Radiant in constellation Lyra
  • Ancient meteor shower observed for 2,700 years

Total Solar Eclipse

August 12, 2026

Peak: 17:47 UTC

Solar Eclipse
In 149 days

A total solar eclipse will begin in the Arctic Ocean off the Northern coast of Russia, move across Greenland, Iceland, and the Atlantic Ocean before ending in Spain.

Visibility
Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Portugal

Details

  • Maximum duration: 2 minutes 18 seconds
  • Path crosses Iceland and northern Spain
  • Partial phases visible across Europe and North America
  • One of the most accessible total solar eclipses

Perseids Meteor Shower

August 12-13, 2026

Peak: Night of August 12-13

Meteor Shower
In 149 days

The Perseids peak coincides with a new moon. From a remote area with dark skies could deliver up to around 90 meteors per hour.

Visibility
Northern Hemisphere

Details

  • Peak rate: Up to 90 meteors per hour
  • New moon provides perfect dark skies
  • Best meteor shower of 2026
  • Swift and bright meteors with persistent trains

Mars-Jupiter Conjunction

August 14, 2026

Peak: Pre-dawn

Planetary Conjunction
In 151 days

Mars and Jupiter will have a close encounter in the night sky.

Visibility
Global

Details

  • Two bright planets very close together
  • Visible before sunrise
  • Both planets in same binocular field
  • Occurs in constellation Taurus

Partial Lunar Eclipse

August 28, 2026

Peak: 04:13 UTC

Lunar Eclipse
In 165 days

A partial lunar eclipse visible from parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America.

Visibility
Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas

Details

  • Only 7% of the Moon will be in Earth's umbral shadow
  • Subtle eclipse, may be difficult to notice
  • Best viewed from Eastern Europe and Asia
  • Penumbral phases last about 4 hours

Beaver Supermoon

November 15, 2026

Peak: 18:28 UTC

Supermoon
In 244 days

A spectacular supermoon in November when the moon is near its closest approach to Earth.

Visibility
Global

Details

  • One of the closest supermoons of the year
  • Appears exceptionally large and bright
  • Also known as Beaver Moon
  • Excellent viewing conditions

Geminids Meteor Shower

December 13-14, 2026

Peak: Night of December 13-14

Meteor Shower
In 273 days

One of the year's best meteor showers with up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour.

Visibility
Global

Details

  • Peak rate: Up to 120 meteors per hour
  • Reliable and prolific shower
  • Radiant in constellation Gemini
  • Meteors appear slower than most showers

Cold Supermoon

December 15, 2026

Peak: 09:02 UTC

Supermoon
In 274 days

The last supermoon of 2026, appearing larger and brighter in the December night sky.

Visibility
Global

Details

  • Final supermoon of the year
  • Close approach to Earth
  • Also known as Cold Moon
  • High in winter sky for Northern Hemisphere

About These Events

This calendar includes major astronomical events for 2026, including solar and lunar eclipses, meteor showers, supermoons, and planetary conjunctions. All times are in UTC. Check local visibility conditions and convert times to your timezone for the best viewing experience.

Data compiled from astronomical calendars and predictions. Actual visibility may vary based on weather conditions and local geography.