Stargazing events and astronomy phenomena visible in the U.S. in 2026

NASA 2026 skywatching calendar highlights

NASA tracks major sky events each year, and the 2026 calendar includes four eclipses, about a dozen meteor showers, and three supermoons, with several visible in the United States.

The four eclipses include an annular solar eclipse on February 17, a total lunar eclipse on March 3, a total solar eclipse on August 12, and a partial lunar eclipse on August 28. Viewing conditions vary by region, with some events best seen in North America.

Meteor showers will appear throughout the year, and three supermoons are scheduled for November 24 and December 24, according to the 2026 astronomical calendar.

February 17 annular solar eclipse is limited

The annular solar eclipse on February 17, 2026, will be visible mainly across Antarctica, with maximum coverage around 12:12 p.m. UTC. Most of the world will not see the full annular effect.

Several countries in southern Africa will see only a partial eclipse, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and parts of Botswana and Tanzania. These regions will observe the moon covering only part of the sun.

The event is largely out of reach for observers in the United States, making it one of the least accessible eclipses for North American viewers in 2026.

March 3 total lunar eclipse favors western US

The total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, will be best seen across the western United States and Canada. Observers in these regions will have some of the clearest viewing opportunities.

The eclipse will also be visible in Australia and parts of Central Asia. However, it will not be visible in Africa, Europe, or western Asia.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, causing the moon to darken and often appear reddish during totality.

August 12 solar eclipse reaches Europe

The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, will be best viewed in Iceland and Spain, where the moon will completely block the sun. Other parts of Europe will see a partial eclipse.

In North America, only parts of Canada and the northeastern United States will see a small portion of the sun covered. The eclipse will not be total in these areas.

This event will still provide a visible solar change for some U.S. states, though it will be far less dramatic than the full eclipse seen in Europe.

August 28 partial lunar eclipse reaches US

A partial lunar eclipse on August 28, 2026, will be visible in parts of the United States and Canada. It will also be seen across Europe, Africa, and South America.

This event will favor regions that missed the March total lunar eclipse. South America is expected to have some of the best viewing conditions.

A partial lunar eclipse happens when only part of the moon enters Earth’s shadow, creating a darkened section rather than a full color change.

April Lyrids peak on April 22

The Lyrid meteor shower will be visible from April 16 through April 25, 2026, with peak activity on April 22. The meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Lyra.

This shower is one of the first notable meteor events of the spring sky. It provides a steady display during the late April nights.

Observers in the United States will be able to watch the Lyrids without special equipment, as meteor showers are visible to the naked eye under dark skies.

Eta Aquariids peak in early May

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower will run from April 19 to May 28, 2026, with peak activity on May 6. The meteors appear to come from the constellation Aquarius.

This shower is tied to the debris trail of a comet and is known for fast-moving meteors. It occurs during late spring nights.

Skywatchers in the United States can see the shower before dawn, when the radiant in Aquarius rises higher in the sky.

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Summer Perseids peak on August 13

The Perseid meteor shower will be visible from July 17 to August 24, 2026, and will peak on August 13. The meteors appear to come from the constellation Perseus.

The Perseids are one of the most popular annual meteor showers. The peak night often produces a steady number of visible streaks across the sky. This shower is widely visible across the United States and is considered one of the easiest meteor events to watch each year.

Orionids peak during October nights

The Orionid meteor shower will be visible from October 2 to November 7, 2026, with peak activity on October 21. The meteors appear near the constellation Orion.

This shower arrives during the middle of autumn, providing activity across several weeks. Peak nights offer the best viewing opportunities. The Orionids can be seen across much of the United States, especially from darker locations away from city lights.

Leonids peak in mid November

The Leonid meteor shower will be visible from November 6 to November 30, 2026, with a peak around November 18. The meteors appear near the constellation Leo.

The Leonids are known for occasional strong activity in certain years. In 2026, observers can still expect visible meteors during the peak. Viewers across the United States will be able to watch the shower in the pre-dawn hours when the radiant is higher.

Geminids peak in December

The Geminid meteor shower will be visible from December 4 to December 20, 2026, with peak activity on December 14. The meteors appear near the constellation Gemini.

This shower is often one of the strongest annual displays. Peak nights typically produce a steady number of visible meteors. The Geminids are widely visible across the United States and are often considered the highlight of the December sky.

Three supermoons are scheduled in 2026

There will be three supermoons in 2026, according to the astronomical calendar. The first occurred on January 3, known as the Wolf Moon.

The next supermoon will arrive on November 24, called the Super Beaver Moon. The final one will appear on December 24 as the Super Cold Moon. Supermoons occur when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth, called perigee, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.

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Supermoons appear larger and brighter

A supermoon happens when the moon is near its closest approach to Earth during a full moon phase. This position is known as perigee.

During a supermoon, the moon can appear up to 10 percent larger and noticeably brighter than a typical full moon. This visual difference is visible to the naked eye.

Astronomical calendars show that some years have no supermoons, while others may have up to four. In 2026, three supermoons are scheduled across the year.

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Which of these stargazing events are you most excited to see in 2026? Share your plans in the comments and leave a like.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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