As 2026 approaches, astronomical activities involving both the moon and the sun are set to dominate the celestial stage. The year commences with a notable resurgence of lunar endeavors as astronauts journey beyond Earths orbit for the first time in more than fifty years, accompanied by a fleet of robotic landers. This includes Blue Origins Blue Moon, a substantial new lunar lander prototype initiated by Jeff Bezos' company.
Early January brings a supermoon on the 3rd, an event where the full moon is closer to the Earth and thus appears larger and brighter in the sky. May is also slated for an astronomical blue moon, adding to the year's lunar highlights.
The sun is poised to contribute to the spectacle with a ring-of-fire solar eclipse occurring over Antarctica in February, an event characterized by the moon covering the sun's center while leaving a glowing ring visible. Later in August, a total solar eclipse will traverse the Arctic regions, including Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Europe, offering prolonged periods of total darkness during daylight hours.
Additionally, auroras are expected to be visible in atypical locations, though their frequency may decline compared to the elevated activity of recent years, reflective of changes in the sun's 11-year activity cycle.
A noteworthy visitor from beyond our solar system, comet 3I/Atlas, observed in December, continues to be visible with strong amateur telescopes but is diminishing in brightness as it moves farther away, with its next significant celestial encounter being with Jupiter in March. It is projected to leave the solar system permanently within the next decade, returning to the interstellar space from which it originated.
Throughout history, only three such interstellar objects have been detected. Experts like NASA's Paul Chodas anticipate more discoveries in the future due to advancements in tracking technologies, suggesting an increasing ability to monitor and study these visitors.
Returning to the Moon
NASA has outlined plans for a crewed lunar flyby early in 2026, which could provide humanity with fresh views of the moon's far side, areas largely unexplored since the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s. Commander Reid Wiseman and his team, including a Canadian astronaut, will embark on a roughly ten-day mission passing close to the lunar surface before returning to Earth without landing. These observations have the potential to inform geological research and assist future landing operations for subsequent Artemis missions.
Parallel to human missions, numerous robotic landers are anticipated. Chinese space agencies have scheduled a lunar south pole expedition, deploying a rover and a hopper vehicle capable of navigating shadowed cratered regions in search of ice deposits critical for future habitation.
Private enterprises are also active in lunar exploration: Blue Origin aims to launch a prototype of its 26-foot tall Blue Moon lander earlier in the year, a platform designed to ferry astronauts and cargo safely to the moon. Confirming progress in commercial spaceflight, companies such as Astrobotic Technology, Intuitive Machines, and Firefly Aerospace plan landings, with Firefly targeting the lunar far side.
Eclipses and Planetary Exhibitions
A total solar eclipse will grace the Arctic on August 12, obscuring the sun for over two minutes along a path crossing Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. Although a more prolonged eclipse is forecasted in 2027, this 2026 event remains significant for observers.
In February, a ring-of-fire eclipse will occur over Antarctica on the 17th with limited viewing opportunities restricted to select research stations and regions of the southern hemisphere experiencing partial phases.
Lunar events will include a total lunar eclipse following the February solar eclipse and a partial lunar eclipse at the end of August, expanding the range of eclipse phenomena observable throughout the year.
February 28 will feature a rare alignment of six planets and a near-full moon, showcasing Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune simultaneously. Notably, Mars will be absent from this grouping but will join a similar planetary parade in August, though Venus will not participate then. While Mercury and Venus will appear near the horizon dusks, some planets will require optical aid for clear observation.
Supermoons and Auroral Displays
Three supermoons in January, November 24, and late December 23 into 24 will light up Earths nighttime skies with enhanced brightness due to the moons closer proximity during these full moon phases. The Christmas Eve supermoon will come particularly close, within approximately 221,668 miles of Earth.
Predictions for 2026 suggest increased solar activity leading to geomagnetic storms, generating spectacular auroras at higher latitudes and potentially more equatorial locations compared to normal. However, with the solar cycle entering a declining phase, the frequency and intensity of such events may lessen over the year.
Space weather researchers eagerly anticipate new data from an observatory launched in the previous fall, designed to improve the understanding of solar wind effects on Earth and refine the forecasting of space weather impacts, which holds significance for multiple sectors, including telecommunications and power grid management.
As 2026 unfolds, these celestial events promise scientific opportunities and public fascination alike, further cementing humanitys enduring engagement with the cosmos.