The Night Sky 2026 Edition
If you’re (or want to be) a stargazer, 2026 will offer many special events for you to view.
Special equipment isn’t necessary for viewing most of the events, but can enhance the experiece.
February 2026
February 1 – The first day of the month presents the “full snow” moon late in the day.
February 8 – The Alpha Centaurid meteor shower reaches its peak.
February 15 – Conjunction of Neptune and Saturn
February 17 – Annular solar eclipse (ring of fire). This event will not be visible unless you’re in southern Africa, South America or Antarctica.
February 18/19 – Mercury greatest elongation and moon conjunction. Neptune and Saturn visible against crescent moon.
February 23 – Crescent moon close to Pleiades.
February 27 – Conjunction of the moon and Jupiter.
Watch the video from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory for details on how to spot the conjunctions and other events.
Click to view on YouTube
What’s Ahead in the 2026 Night Sky?
7 Incredibly Rare Things That Will Appear in The Sky in 2026
Ringing in the New Year – January 2026
Sirius, the brightest star visible from Earth, will reach it’s highest point in the sky as the new year arrives. Jupiter and an almost full moon will also be viewable on Janaury 1.
The moon and Jupiter are key players in January.
Quandrantid Meteor Shower Peak
On January 2 and 3 you can catch the peak of Quandrantid.
Supermoon Coming Up!
If you followed the Night Sky 2025, you probably noticed that the year ended with a rare succession of supermoons on 10/07, 11/05, and the final of the year on 12/04.
January 3 will offer the first of three supermoons for 2026. The “wolf moon” will be visible over the first weekend of the year. You’ll have to wait until November for the next one.
Jupiter’s Closet Position Since 2024
On 01/09-10, Jupiter will be in opposition and provide the best viewing for the year.
End of the Month
At the end of January features the conjunction of Jupiter and the moon on January 30/31.
Check back the last week of the month for February events list.
Video from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
