Astronomy Calendar 2026
Astronomy isn’t about waiting for one big night.
It’s about noticing when the sky gets interesting — and being ready when it does.
Here’s a month-by-month guide to the moments in 2026 that are genuinely worth setting up for, whether you’re new to observing or already deep into the hobby.
🔭 2026: Things Worth Setting Up For
January — Jupiter + Cold, Steady Skies
January is when telescopes feel sharp. Jupiter is high and steady, details snap into focus, and the Quadrantids (Jan 3–4) reward early risers. It’s cold, but the views are clean and precise — classic winter observing.
💡 Did you know?
Jupiter’s moons can change position noticeably in under an hour — sometimes you can watch them move live at the eyepiece.
👉 This is a great month to dial in a planetary setup or upgrade pieces. We do hope you find something you like!
February — The Moon and Deep Sky
February is quiet in the best way. The Moon near the terminator shows extreme contrast, and mid-month dark skies are perfect for galaxies and clusters. Slow nights, serious observing.
💡 Did you know?
The shadows along the Moon’s terminator can make small craters visible that disappear completely at full Moon.
👉 These are our top Lunar Telescopes. If you enjoy pushing magnification or hunting faint targets, your optics and steady mounts really matter here. These are our best eyepieces and mounts recommendations.
March — Total Lunar Eclipse
On March 3, a total lunar eclipse unfolds slowly enough to really watch it happen. Naked eye is fine. A telescope makes it memorable. Afterward, spring galaxies start creeping in.
💡 Did you know?
During totality, the Moon isn’t evenly red — different regions darken and brighten at different rates due to Earth’s atmosphere.
👉 Binoculars are great here, but a solid lunar/planetary telescope adds a lot to nights like this. What about these ones? Moon Telescopes & Planetary Telescopes.
April — Galaxy Season
April is when deep-sky observing gets serious, it is when people stop dabbling and start hunting. Virgo, Leo, faint smudges everywhere. This is where aperture, light gathering, and stability make the difference.
💡 Did you know?
Galaxies usually look better at lower magnification — darker backgrounds matter more than size.
👉 If you’ve been thinking about a bigger scope or better mount, this is the payoff month. Otherwise, check our deep-sky telescope collection and let yourself be marveled by the infinite deep-sky!
May — Early Mornings and Meteors
The Eta Aquarids peak May 5–6, fast meteors before sunrise. The Milky Way starts showing up again, and wide fields get interesting.
💡 Did you know?
Eta Aquarids are debris from Halley’s Comet — the same comet responsible for the Orionids in October.
👉 Binoculars and wide-field telescopes get a lot of use right now. If curious, explore our Galaxies & Nebulae Telescopes here.
June — The Sun (Every Clear Day)
Short nights don’t stop observing — they shift it. Sunspots change daily, prominences evolve while you watch. Solar gear turns astronomy into a daytime habit.
💡 Did you know?
Some solar prominences are larger than Earth — and you can watch them shift in real time with the right filter.
👉 This is when solar telescopes and filters stop being optional and start being fun. By the way, August brings a partial solar eclipse, so make sure you get your solar telescope or sun filter ASAP!
⚠️ A word of caution from us
Never attempt to locate and observe the Sun with the naked eye or aim a telescope or binoculars without the proper solar filters. Such actions can result in severe and irreversible eye damage within seconds. Always protect your eyes with proper telescopes and accessories for solar observation.
July — The Milky Way Core
Now it’s on. Sagittarius and Scutum are packed with targets. Nebulae, clusters, star clouds — just point and explore. Long sessions, warm nights.
💡 Did you know?
The dark lanes in the Milky Way aren’t empty — they’re dust blocking light behind them.
👉 Have you thought about buying yourself a computerized GoTo Telescope Mount for easy astronomical hunting? What about a Smart Telescope? Find your favorite here!
August — Solar Eclipse + Perseids
August does not slow down. On August 12, a partial solar eclipse crosses the U.S. — solar filters required, and worth it. That same night, the Perseids peak. The Milky Way is still excellent.
💡 Did you know?
During a partial solar eclipse, sunspots can disappear behind the Moon one by one — something you can only see with proper solar filtration.
👉 This is the month to be eclipse-ready and fully set up. You can find the perfect equipment for solar eclipses here.
⚠️ A word of caution from us
Never attempt to locate and observe the Sun with the naked eye or aim a telescope or binoculars without the proper solar filters. Such actions can result in severe and irreversible eye damage within seconds. Protect your eyes with adequate telescopes and accessories for solar observation.
September — Saturn and Jupiter
Cooler air brings better seeing. Saturn looks clean and bright, Jupiter rises earlier, and planetary observing becomes reliable again.
💡 Did you know?
On nights of good seeing, Saturn can look sharper at moderate magnification than at high power.
👉 Consider a good planetary telescope like a Cassegrain, it will make nights like these far more rewarding.
October — Saturn’s Rings
October is Saturn month. Rings wide, moons obvious, reactions guaranteed. This is when people fall in love with telescopes.
💡 Did you know?
Saturn’s rings are only tens of meters thick — absurdly thin for something so wide.
👉 If you’re showing someone Saturn for the first time, quality optics matter. Here you’ll find the best planetary telescopes for your enjoyment.
November — Deep Sky Returns
Longer nights come back. Galaxies and nebulae improve, Jupiter dominates the evening sky, and sessions stretch late.
💡 Did you know?
Your eyes get better at detecting faint objects the longer you observe — experience really does matter.
👉 This is when deep-sky scopes and accessories earn their keep. Which one would you prefer? We’d recommend any of the following Dobsonian or Newtonian telescopes.
December — Geminids + Jupiter
The Geminids peak Dec 13–14, often slow and bright. Jupiter stays sharp, and the Moon shows dramatic shadows in winter light.
💡 Did you know?
The Geminids come from an asteroid, not a comet — that’s why they’re slower and brighter.
👉 A solid all-around setup makes cold nights worth it. Now, should you fancy something all-in one, why not considering smart telescopes?
Astronomy isn’t about catching everything. It’s about knowing when the sky is worth your time — and having the right tools when it is.
2026 gives you plenty of reasons to step outside. May your nights be filled with wonder, happy new year from Astronomy Haven!
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