Happy new year! As we step into 2026, let’s reflect on the exciting events that unfolded in space over the past year. From the appearance of the third interstellar visitor, 3I/ATLAS, to the mesmerizing northern lights displays and the inauguration of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, the cosmic happenings have been truly remarkable.
Looking ahead, skywatchers have some fascinating celestial events to anticipate in the upcoming year. Meteor enthusiasts will be thrilled to witness various meteor showers, starting with the Quadrantids shower, active from December 28 to January 12, with its peak on the night of January 2. Although this shower can produce over 120 meteors per hour, its short peak duration makes it a challenging spectacle to catch, especially with this year’s full moon and winter weather conditions.
For those patient enough to wait, the 2026 Perseid meteor shower in July and August promises a dazzling show with around 150 meteors per hour during its peak on August 12-13. The absence of moonlight during this shower will enhance visibility, especially in dark locations. Later in December, the Geminid meteor shower will offer another stunning display, peaking on the night of December 13-14, with ideal conditions for viewing.
In a significant mission, NASA’s Artemis II is set to embark on a lunar journey, carrying astronauts including Canada’s own Jeremy Hansen. Scheduled to launch in early February, this mission will take the crew on an unprecedented orbit around the moon, surpassing previous human space travel milestones.
Eclipse enthusiasts in Canada can look forward to a total lunar eclipse on March 3, visible across the country, and a partial solar eclipse on August 12, best viewed in central and eastern regions. Later in August, a partial lunar eclipse on the 28th will offer a captivating lunar spectacle.
Additionally, 2026 will witness various space missions, including Rocket Lab’s mission to Venus, Japan’s Martian Moon Exploration, and the highly anticipated launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, aimed at exploring dark matter and dark energy phenomena.
These upcoming events promise an exciting year for space enthusiasts, with the potential for unexpected cosmic wonders waiting to be discovered. Keep your eyes on the sky for a chance to witness these celestial marvels firsthand.