As we welcome the new year of 2026, let’s reflect on the exciting space events of the past year, including the arrival of our third interstellar visitor, 3I/ATLAS, and the inauguration of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Looking forward, skywatchers can anticipate some captivating celestial displays in the upcoming year.
Meteor enthusiasts will be thrilled by the Quadrantids meteor shower, visible from December 28 to January 12, with its peak on the night of January 2. Despite its brief peak duration, this shower can produce over 120 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. The Perseid meteor shower in August promises a spectacular show, with approximately 150 meteors per hour during its peak on August 12-13, enhanced by the absence of moonlight for better visibility.
NASA’s Artemis II mission, set to launch in February, will carry astronauts, including Canada’s Jeremy Hansen, to orbit the moon, surpassing previous human space mission distances. Moreover, 2026 will offer Canadians multiple eclipse opportunities, including a total lunar eclipse on March 3 and partial solar and lunar eclipses in August.
In the realm of space missions, Rocket Lab plans a mission to Venus to investigate the presence of organic material, building on the discovery of phosphine in Venus’ atmosphere. Japan’s Martian Moon Exploration mission will explore Mars’ moons, Phobos and Deimos, while the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope aims to study dark matter and dark energy, potentially launching in late 2026 or early 2027.
Exciting developments lie ahead in 2026, with the possibility of encountering more interstellar visitors or brilliant comets lighting up the night sky. Stay tuned and keep gazing at the heavens for more celestial wonders to unfold.
