Overview
- The year opens with the Wolf Moon on January 3, a supermoon that appears slightly larger and brighter due to the Moon’s proximity to Earth.
- Four eclipses are scheduled: an annular solar eclipse on February 17 (Antarctica and the southern Indian Ocean), a total lunar eclipse on March 3 (Americas, the Pacific, Australia and eastern Asia), a total solar eclipse on August 12 (Greenland, Iceland, the North Atlantic and northern Spain) and a deep partial lunar eclipse on August 28.
- Thirteen full moons are confirmed for 2026, with two in May and a Blue Moon on May 31 as the second full moon of that month.
- Beyond January’s event, additional supermoons are slated for November 24 and December 24, offering late‑year bright, larger‑than‑average full moons.
- Early observing highlights include comet 24P/Schaumasse brightening around January 4, comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) peaking near January 20 in the southern hemisphere, and Jupiter at opposition on January 10, while Solar Cycle 25 activity could enhance aurora displays.