Lookup! 2026 Astronomy dates within the 209

This yr, folks can have the chance to witness occasions comparable to meteor showers, eclipses, moon cycles and lots of extra, all from the 209 space.

For anybody that’s an avid star gazier, who’s captivated with astronomy or simply likes taking a look at stars and galaxies be sure to mark your calendars and maintain a eye out for this yr’s upcoming astronomical occasions!

Some occasions can be seen from the bare eye, whereas others want particular visible aids comparable to telescopes and binoculars, which can be listed underneath every occasion. Times could range relying in your location. (Only occasions from February to May can be listed).

Feb 28th- Planet Parade, 6 planets and moon in a line

A uncommon six-planet alignment will happen on this present day, known as the “planet parade.” This means planets comparable to Neptune, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus can be seen unexpectedly, whereas they will not be aligned, they are going to be grouped collectively in the identical space.

All planets besides two can be seen with the bare eye, visible aids comparable to binoculars and telescopes can be wanted for Uranus and Venus. Jupiter can be increased within the sky and be the best planet to identify, whereas Saturn and Mercury can be decrease within the sky (A transparent setting can be wanted to identify them). Best viewing time can be 30-40 minutes after sundown.

March 3rd- Lunar eclipse

If you’re an early hen, be sure you maintain a glance out for the lunar eclipse, or blood moon, taking place simply earlier than dawn on the third of March, with its peak being at 3 a.m.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the solar, giving the moon a pink coloration. The occasion will be seen with out visible assist.

March 19th- New Moon

On this present day, the moon can be positioned between the earth and the solar, the aspect going through us can be utterly darkish. The moon won’t be seen at night time which supplies the chance to watch objects within the sky comparable to stars, galaxies and planets.

April 2nd- Full Moon

Also often called the “Pink moon”, although it’s not pink and can seem orangish with gold undertones. It can be seen within the night of April 2nd till the early morning of April third.

The moon will seem as a whole circle within the sky and can be lit up by the solar’s rays. The moon can be on the horizon, and needs to be seen with clear climate. Visual assist won’t be wanted.

April 3rd- Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation

Mercury can be at its highest level, and can seem low within the sky simply earlier than dawn, so be sure you have a transparent view of the horizon. Do not observe this occasion whereas the solar is seen.

April 22, 23rd- Lyrids meteor Shower

In the early hours of April twenty second, count on a meteor bathe within the northeast portion of the sky. The meteor bathe will peak through the early hours, however the perfect time to view can be after midnight.

There’s an anticipated fee 18-20 meteors per hour. Some suggestions for very best viewing can be getting away from metropolis lights, ensuring you could have a transparent view of the sky, a blanket, chair and snacks whilst you observe the sky!

May 1st- Full Moon

Also often called the “Flower Moon”, and is one among two full moons in May. It is named the Flower Moon as a result of it comes across the similar time as spring. The micro moon rises after sundown and is at its most illuminated round 1 a.m.

May 6th – Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower

The meteor bathe is anticipated to start out early morning of May sixth, (3 a.m. to five a.m.) this can be an lively bathe, with some fainter meteors current. No optical assist is required, however a transparent sky view and dim metropolis lights is good!

May 16th- New Moon

On May sixteenth, there can be a New moon, which can give a darkish look to the moon. The peak time to watch can be at 1:01 p.m. There can be little moonlight which is Ideal for stargazing or observing objects within the sky.

May 30-31st- Full Moon (Blue Moon)

Occurs in the identical month as a brand new moon, which is uncommon, it will likely be essentially the most distant micromoon of this yr, making it seem barely smaller than the common full moon.

The finest time to view would be the night of May thirtieth, the place it’ll be at its largest level and essentially the most illuminated, and at 1:45 a.m. on May thirty first, the place it’ll be illuminated within the sky.

Viewing suggestions embody, checking for low cloud protection, escaping metropolis lights and ensuring you could have an unobstructed view. Visual assist isn’t wanted.