The year 2026 will feature a range of celestial phenomena, including solar and lunar eclipses, meteor showers, and planetary conjunctions, visible across much of the world and specifically lunar eclipses from Mexico. These events promise captivating displays for enthusiasts and casual sky watchers. The schedule begins with Earth's perihelion and the Quadrantids in January.
2026 shapes up as an exciting year for astronomy, with four major eclipses: two solar and two lunar. From Mexico, only the lunar eclipses will be visible, while the solar ones occur in remote areas like Antarctica and the Arctic.
The sequence starts on January 3 with Earth's perihelion, when the planet reaches its closest point to the Sun, though with no notable climate effects. That same day, the Quadrantids meteor shower peaks, delivering up to 120 meteors per hour under dark skies. On January 10, Jupiter will shine at its brightest, perfect for viewing.
In February, on the 17th, an annular solar eclipse, known as a 'ring of fire,' will be seen in Antarctica. March 3 brings a total lunar eclipse, or 'blood moon,' due to its reddish hue, visible in the Americas and Asia. On June 15, Mercury reaches its eastern elongation maximum, making it easier to spot at dusk.
August delivers more: on the 12th, a total solar eclipse will cross the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Europe. On the 27th, another lunar eclipse will be observable in the Americas and Africa. The year ends with the Geminids, a prominent meteor shower.
To enjoy these events from Mexico, seek out dark-sky locations, use binoculars for better details, and check lunar phases to avoid light interference. These phenomena build on 2025's highlights, including the Orionids, Leonids, and Geminids, plus the Moon's close approaches to Saturn and the Pleiades.