As we enter 2026, let’s reflect on the remarkable events in space over the past year, including the arrival of the 3I/ATLAS interstellar visitor and the inauguration of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Looking ahead, skywatchers can anticipate exciting celestial occurrences in the coming months.
Starting with meteor showers, the Quadrantids shower, running from Dec. 28 to Jan. 12 with its peak on Jan. 2-3, is expected to produce up to 120 meteors per hour. Although it’s a brief event, the shower’s rapid activity makes it a spectacle worth catching, despite the challenge posed by the full moon and winter weather this year.
For those willing to wait, the highlight of 2026 will be the Perseid meteor shower in August, promising around 150 meteors per hour during its peak on Aug. 12-13. With a new moon enhancing visibility, sky gazers are in for a treat, especially in darker locations.
Later in December, the Geminid meteor shower will bring another dazzling display, offering similar meteor rates per hour as the Perseids, with the advantage of a waxing crescent moon that won’t obstruct viewing.
In a significant development, NASA’s Artemis II mission is set to launch to the moon, carrying astronauts including Canada’s Jeremy Hansen. Scheduled for a nearly 10-day mission starting on Feb. 5, the crew will conduct lunar research from orbit, reaching farther than any previous human mission.
In terms of eclipses, 2026 will feature a total lunar eclipse on March 3 visible across Canada, with optimal viewing along the West Coast. Additionally, a partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will be observable in central and eastern Canada, followed by a partial lunar eclipse on Aug. 28 that will be visible nationwide.
Looking beyond Earth, upcoming space missions in 2026 include Rocket Lab’s voyage to Venus to investigate the planet’s atmosphere for organic material, Japan’s Martian Moon Exploration mission to study Mars’ moons, and the highly anticipated launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope aimed at exploring dark matter and dark energy.
These events offer just a glimpse of the cosmic wonders awaiting us in 2026, with the potential for more surprises to unfold in the vast expanse above. Keep your eyes on the sky for an unforgettable year ahead.