The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has unveiled a list of 15 skywatching events that will take place in 2026, providing an unparalleled opportunity for astronomers and space enthusiasts to witness the majesty of the night sky.
Planetary Alignments and Eclipses
The year will begin with the alignment of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars in January, an event that occurs once in 60 years. This rare alignment will offer a unique opportunity to observe the relative positions of these three planets in the sky.
In April, 2026, the moon will pass through the Earth's shadow, resulting in a partial lunar eclipse that will be visible from parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Meteor Showers and Comets
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular annual events in the sky, will peak in August, 2026, offering an abundance of shooting stars for observers to witness. This meteor shower is caused by the Earth passing through the debris trail of the Swift-Tuttle comet.
The Comet 2I/Borisov, the first interstellar comet to visit our solar system, will be visible in the night sky in October, 2026, providing a rare opportunity for astronomers to study this extraterrestrial visitor.
Aurorae and Star Formations
The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, will be visible in the night sky in March, 2026, due to a high level of solar activity. This spectacular display of colored lights will be visible in parts of North America and Europe.
The year will also witness the formation of new stars in the constellation of Orion, offering a unique opportunity for astronomers to study the process of star formation in the night sky.
Galactic Events and Planetary Observations
The Andromeda Galaxy, the nearest major galaxy to our own Milky Way, will be visible in the night sky in December, 2026, offering an unparalleled opportunity for astronomers to study this nearby galaxy.
The year will also see the closest approach of the planet Venus to the Earth in January, 2026, providing a rare opportunity for observers to witness the planet in its closest approach to our planet.
These 15 skywatching events offer a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to witness the majesty of the night sky in 2026. From planetary alignments and eclipses to meteor showers and comets, this year promises to be an exciting time for stargazers.