As we step into the new year of 2026, it’s a great time to reflect on the exciting space events from the past year, such as the arrival of our third interstellar visitor known as 3I/ATLAS and the unveiling of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, promising new insights into the universe.
Looking forward, skywatchers have some amazing celestial events to anticipate in the coming months. Meteor showers are a popular choice for stargazers, with the Quadrantids kicking off the year from December 28 to January 12, peaking on January 2-3. Despite its brief peak duration and the challenge posed by a full moon this year, the Quadrantids can still dazzle with up to 120 meteors per hour.
For those willing to wait, the highlight of 2026 will be the Perseid meteor shower in July and August, offering a spectacular show with about 150 meteors per hour during its peak on August 12-13. With a new moon expected, visibility should be optimal for catching even faint meteors.
Later in the year, the Geminid meteor shower in December promises a similar meteor display, peaking on December 13-14 with up to 150 meteors per hour under favorable conditions and a waxing crescent moon that won’t obstruct viewing.
In a significant space mission development, NASA’s Artemis II mission is set to launch to the moon with astronauts onboard, including Canada’s own Jeremy Hansen. The mission, scheduled for a near 10-day journey starting on February 5, will take the crew farther than any human has gone before, conducting lunar research from orbit.
Eclipse enthusiasts will have much to look forward to in 2026, with a total lunar eclipse visible across Canada on March 3 and a total solar eclipse in August, though Canada will experience a partial solar eclipse. Additionally, a partial lunar eclipse is expected later in August, offering skywatchers a celestial trifecta.
Space missions in 2026 include Rocket Lab’s mission to Venus, aiming to explore the planet’s atmosphere for organic material, and Japan’s Martian Moon Exploration to study Mars’ moons. The launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, designed to investigate dark matter and dark energy, is also anticipated, though the exact launch date remains flexible.
These upcoming events in 2026 are just a glimpse of the celestial wonders awaiting sky enthusiasts, with the potential for more surprises and discoveries throughout the year. Keep your eyes on the sky for an exciting year ahead!