Happy new year!
As we welcome 2026, let’s reflect on the exciting space events of the past year, such as the appearance of the third-known interstellar visitor, 3I/ATLAS, and the unveiling of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, promising new insights into the universe.
Looking ahead, skywatchers can anticipate several thrilling celestial events in the upcoming year.
Meteor enthusiasts can start with the Quadrantids meteor shower, which will be active from Dec. 28 to Jan. 12, peaking on the night of Jan. 2. This shower, known for its brief but intense activity, may produce over 120 meteors per hour. However, this year’s viewing might be challenging due to the presence of a full moon and winter weather conditions.
For those patient enough to wait, the Perseid meteor shower in July promises a spectacular show, with peak activity on Aug. 12-13 under a new moon, ensuring optimal visibility of faint meteors.
In December, the Geminid meteor shower will offer another impressive display, with the peak night falling on Dec. 13-14 and favorable viewing conditions with a waxing crescent moon.
Moreover, NASA’s Artemis II mission is set to launch to the moon in February, with astronauts onboard, including Canadian Space Agency’s Jeremy Hansen. The mission will take the crew farther than any previous human spaceflight, conducting lunar research and testing systems.
In terms of eclipses, 2026 brings significant events for Canadians, starting with a total lunar eclipse on March 3, visible across the country. In August, a partial solar eclipse will be visible in central and eastern Canada, followed by a partial lunar eclipse on Aug. 28.
Exciting space missions scheduled for 2026 include Rocket Lab’s mission to Venus, aimed at further exploring potential signs of life on Earth’s neighboring planet. Japan’s Martian Moon Exploration mission will study Mars’ moons, Phobos and Deimos, collecting samples from Phobos for analysis on Earth. Additionally, the launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027, focusing on dark matter and dark energy research.
These upcoming events offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of space exploration in 2026, promising new discoveries and possibilities for sky gazers around the globe.