NASA's top skywatching events for 2026: Total lunar eclipse, Perseid meteor shower and more

The year ahead will prove to be quite exciting for avid skywatchers and stargazers, as reported by NASA, with wonderful opportunities to witness meteor showers, planets, stars, and the different avatars of the Moon in the night sky. Below is a chronological list of the top astronomical events happening this year, with the relevant details you need to know as a skywatching enthusiast.

1.    Planetary Parade – February 28

On February 28, we will have an exciting parade of planets where six planets will align. Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter will all be visible in the sky after sunset. Out of the six planets, four, namely Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn, will be easily visible to the unaided eye if the weather permits. However, observers will need binoculars or a telescope to spot Uranus and Neptune. Even Mercury can be tricky to view. 

2.    Total Lunar Eclipse – March 3

A total lunar eclipse, also called a 'blood moon,' will grace the skies on March 3 with strong visibility in North America, especially for the people on the West Coast. According to NASA, totality is expected to last nearly an hour from 11:04 UTC (6:04 am EST) to 12:03 UTC (7:03 am EST). 

3.    Full Blue Moon – May 31

We are also going to be treated to a 'blue moon' in May this year. Despite its name, the event will not actually feature a blue-colored Moon. It represents one of those rare instances when we get two full Moons in a single month. In fact, this is where the phrase "once in a blue Moon" comes from. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, this full Moon will be peaking around 4:45 AM EDT. 

4.    Venus and Jupiter Conjunction – June 8-9

We will witness another stunning planetary event in June this year, when two of the brightest planets in the sky—Venus and Jupiter—will appear extremely close together, only a pinky finger apart. More importantly, observers will not need telescopes to enjoy the event.

5.    Perseids Meteor Shower - August 12-13 

The Perseids meteor shower, which typically produces up to 100 meteors per hour during its peak, will be visible in August this year. Provided the weather is good, a new Moon in the sky should enable excellent visibility of the event. Of course, observers will need to get away from city lights for the best experience.

6.    Geminids Meteor Shower - December 13-14 

The Geminids meteor shower will show itself in mid-December. After midnight would be the ideal time to catch these sparkly ‘green’ meteors in the sky. Wait patiently under the calm night sky to witness this beautiful, vivid light show.

7.    Supermoon – December 24

We will be ending the year with a bang with a Supermoon occurring on December 24. The Moon will be unusually bigger and brighter on this day as a result of its closest approach to Earth. Christmas Eve this year is certainly going to be extra special.

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