Main astronomical events of 2026
The year 2026 will be one of the most spectacular of the decade in terms of astronomical observation . From planetary oppositions and rare alignments to eclipses and meteor showers under near-perfect conditions, the sky will offer exceptional opportunities for observation with the naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes .
At Astro Telescopios we have compiled the most outstanding astronomical events of 2026 , month by month, with special attention to those phenomena that really deserve to be marked on the calendar.
January – Jupiter in opposition (January 10)
The gas giant will reach its maximum brightness and apparent size of the year , visible all night long. It's the best time to observe:
- Cloud bands
- The Great Red Spot
- Transits and eclipses of the Galilean moons
Recommendation : Telescopes with an aperture of 90–100 mm or more already offer excellent results.
February – Great planetary alignment (February 28)
Six planets — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — will form an arc visible after sunset.
Four of them will be clearly visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will require optical assistance.
Ideal for : wide-field binoculars and landscape astrophotography.
March – Total lunar eclipse (March 3)
One of the most striking events of the year: a Blood Moon , visible from much of the planet.
The total phase will last about an hour , with more than five hours of complete eclipse.
Advantage : It does not require any special equipment and is completely safe to observe.
April – Comet C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS)
At the end of April, this comet could become the brightest of 2026 , with magnitudes close to the limit of binocular vision and even, according to some predictions, visible to the naked eye.
Recommendation : 7x50 or 10x50 binoculars and wide-field telescopes.
May – Blue Moon and Micromoon (May 31)
An unusual combination:
- Second full moon of the month (Blue Moon)
- Smallest full moon of the year (Micromoon)
Although the size difference is subtle, it's a perfect event for outreach and comparative photography.
June – Venus–Jupiter conjunction (June 9)
The two brightest planets in the night sky will approach to within 1.5 degrees , forming a spectacular pair at sunset.
Tip : Excellent for viewing in the same field of view with binoculars or low-magnification telescopes.
July – Moon, Mars and the Pleiades (July 11)
A delicate morning scene that combines:
- waxing moon
- reddish Mars
- The Pleiades open cluster
An aesthetically very appealing event, ideal for novice observers.
August – The great astronomical month (August 12–13)
One of the historic moments of 2026 , with three major consecutive events:
- Grand planetary alignment at dawn
- Total solar eclipse , whose path of totality will cross Spain and Portugal
- Peak of the Perseids , with moonless skies and rates exceeding 90 meteors/hour
A must-see month for any serious astronomy enthusiast.
September – Venus at maximum brightness (September 22)
Venus will reach a magnitude of -4.6 , becoming the brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon.
Interesting fact : although extremely bright, it will be observed in a waxing phase through the telescope.
October – Saturn in opposition (October 4)
The best time of year to observe the ringed planet:
- Maximum apparent size
- Visibility all night
- Perfectly defined rings with modest telescopes
November – Mars–Jupiter conjunction (November 16)
Both planets will approach to within just over 1 degree of separation , creating a very striking chromatic contrast in the constellation of Leo.
December – Peak of the Geminid meteor shower (December 14)
The most reliable meteor shower of the year will close out 2026 with:
- Up to 120 meteors per hour
- Moon in favorable conditions
- Excellent viewing from the northern hemisphere
In conclusion, 2026 will be an extraordinary year for amateur astronomy , with at least one outstanding event each month and several truly historic phenomena, especially the total solar eclipse visible from Spain.
At Astro Telescopios we recommend planning ahead , choosing the right equipment and taking advantage of every opportunity to enjoy the night sky like never before.
🌌 Clear skies and happy observing.