2026 Skywatching: Eclipses, Supermoons, Blue Moon, and Planetary Alignments | Quick Digest

2026 Skywatching: Eclipses, Supermoons, Blue Moon, and Planetary Alignments | Quick Digest
The year 2026 promises a spectacular array of celestial events, including multiple supermoons, a blue moon, and both total solar and lunar eclipses. Stargazers worldwide, including those in India for specific events, can look forward to a busy astronomical calendar.

Total lunar eclipse (Blood Moon) on March 3, visible in India.

Annular solar eclipse on February 17, visible from Antarctica.

Total solar eclipse on August 12, visible from parts of Europe.

Three supermoons and one blue moon will grace the sky.

Planetary conjunctions and meteor showers offer additional viewing.

The period 2026-2028 marks a 'golden age' of solar eclipses.

The year 2026 is set to be a remarkable period for skywatchers, featuring a diverse range of celestial phenomena, as highlighted by The Conversation and corroborated by numerous astronomical sources. Key events include a total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a 'Blood Moon,' on March 3, 2026, which will be visible across Asia, Australia, North America, and the Pacific region. This offers a prime viewing opportunity for audiences in India. Another notable lunar event is a deep partial lunar eclipse on August 28, where approximately 96% of the Moon's surface will appear reddish, visible from parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. Beyond lunar displays, 2026 inaugurates a 'golden age' of solar eclipses, with three total and three annular eclipses occurring between 2026 and 2028. In 2026, an annular solar eclipse will occur on February 17, primarily visible from remote areas of Antarctica and the southern Indian Ocean. A significant total solar eclipse is slated for August 12, traversing eastern Greenland, western Iceland, and northern Spain, marking Europe's first total solar eclipse since 1999. Lunar enthusiasts can also anticipate three supermoons in 2026, appearing on January 3, November 24, and December 24, when the full Moon is near its closest approach to Earth, making it appear slightly larger and brighter. Additionally, a 'Blue Moon,' defined as the second full moon within a single calendar month, will occur on May 31, 2026. The year will also feature various planetary conjunctions, such as Venus and Jupiter appearing close together in June, and several meteor showers, including the Geminids in December, offering excellent viewing conditions due to a dark sky.
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