As we enter 2026, let’s reflect on the remarkable space events of the past year, such as the appearance of the 3I/ATLAS interstellar visitor and the inauguration of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Looking forward, here are some exciting skywatching opportunities for the upcoming year.
Starting with meteor showers, the Quadrantids shower, running from Dec. 28 to Jan. 12, peaks on the night of Jan. 2. Despite its brief peak duration, it can produce over 120 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. However, this year’s viewing might be challenging due to the full moon’s brightness and potentially cloudy winter weather.
For those patient enough to wait, the Perseid meteor shower in July promises a spectacular show, with a peak night of Aug. 12-13 and approximately 150 meteors per hour. The absence of moonlight during this shower enhances visibility, especially in dark locations.
In December, skywatchers can anticipate the Geminid meteor shower, running from Dec. 4 to 17 and peaking on Dec. 13-14, with similar meteor rates as the Perseids. The waxing crescent moon on peak night will not hinder viewing.
NASA’s Artemis II mission, set to launch in February, will take astronauts, including Canada’s Jeremy Hansen, on a lunar orbit journey, surpassing the previous human distance record set by Apollo 13 in 1970.
In 2026, Canadians can also look forward to a total lunar eclipse on March 3, visible across the country, and a partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12, best viewed in central and eastern Canada. Furthermore, a partial lunar eclipse on Aug. 28 will offer a celestial spectacle for sky enthusiasts nationwide.
Other exciting space missions in 2026 include Rocket Lab’s mission to Venus, Japan’s Martian Moon Exploration, and the anticipated launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, aimed at unraveling the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
These upcoming events offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of space exploration in 2026, inviting everyone to keep their eyes on the sky for potential surprises and celestial wonders.
