The year 2026 promises to be a remarkable time for space exploration and astronomical events, building upon the extraordinary accomplishments of 2025, which included a visiting comet, the return of NASA astronauts, and a surge in satellite launches.
As interest in lunar exploration resurges, several significant missions are set to take place in 2026. In April, NASA plans to embark on a 10-day mission featuring a crew of four astronauts—three Americans and one Canadian—who will pass close to the Moon, offering new views of regions untouched by previous missions. This flight, while not a landing, is expected to provide valuable insights that will aid future Artemis missions, as noted by Reid Wiseman, Chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA.
Additionally, various uncrewed lunar missions from multiple space companies are slated for the year. Notably, Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is developing an oversized lunar lander named Blue Moon, which is scheduled for testing in 2026. At nearly eight meters tall, it will be nearly double the height of the Apollo 12 lunar module. Other U.S. companies such as Astrobotic Technology, Intuitive Machines, and Firefly Aerospace also aim to make significant lunar deliveries.
China’s lunar ambitions are set to continue with the Chang’e 7 probe targeting the Moon’s south pole, an area believed to host water ice in its shadowed craters, presenting potential resources for future manned missions.
For skywatchers on Earth, 2026 will be sprinkled with exciting celestial events. A ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse will occur in February over Antarctica, with partial visibility across parts of the southern hemisphere, including South Africa, Chile, and Argentina. Later in August, a total solar eclipse will create a dramatic spectacle across the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, transforming day into night along its narrow path.
Throughout the year, three supermoons are expected, with the first coinciding with a meteor shower, though the moonlight may hide some shooting stars. The largest and brightest supermoon will occur on Christmas Eve.
Furthermore, the solar activity is anticipated to produce eruptions that could lead to geomagnetic storms, enabling sightings of the Northern and Southern Lights farther from the poles in 2026. While the current solar cycle is gradually declining, scientists like Rob Steenburgh from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are optimistic about monitoring solar wind measurements from a new observatory launched in the fall, promising an exciting year for space weather enthusiasts.
In summary, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for space exploration and celestial events, with ongoing advancements and opportunities for both scientific discovery and public engagement with astronomy. The excitement surrounding these explorations and events fosters a hopeful vision for the future of space travel and exploration.