Get ready, Michigan! The skies are about to treat you to an array of stunning celestial events that will leave stargazers in awe. From the magnificence of supermoons to dazzling meteor showers, 2026 promises a spectacular show for those who take the time to look up.
This year features an impressive lineup of eight supermoons, including three full supermoons, which are particularly noteworthy. A supermoon occurs when a full or new moon aligns with its closest proximity to Earth, resulting in a moon that appears larger and brighter in the night sky. According to EarthSky, while all full supermoons are classified as supermoons, not every supermoon is a full moon visible from our planet.
January started with the first full supermoon, but stargazers should also mark their calendars for two more full supermoons in November and December. To put this into perspective, the average distance from Earth to the moon is about 238,900 miles (or 384,472 kilometers). However, December's supermoon will be particularly special, coming in at just 221,667 miles (356,740 kilometers) away, making it the closest supermoon of the year.
Adding to the excitement is the appearance of a blue moon on May 31, which will be the second full moon within that month. Full moons typically occur every 29 days, but since most calendar months have 30 or 31 days, blue moons happen approximately once every two and a half years. This rarity gives rise to the expression "once in a blue moon."
And it doesn't stop there! Meteor showers will grace our skies throughout the year. When Earth traverses through debris left by comets or asteroids, we witness meteor showers. As these tiny fragments collide with our atmosphere, they ignite and create brilliant streaks of light, commonly known as shooting stars. One of the first notable meteor showers in 2026 will be the Lyrids, which runs from April 14 to April 30 and can produce spectacular fireballs.
Another meteor shower to look forward to is the Eta Aquariids, which will be active from April 19 through May 28, offering 10 to 30 meteors per hour, especially vivid for those viewing north of the equator. Other significant meteor showers this year include:
- Alpha Capricornids: July 3-August 15
- Southern Delta Aquariids: July 12-August 23
- Perseids: July 17-August 24
- Orionids: October 2-November 7
- Southern Taurids: September 20-November 20
- Northern Taurids: October 20-December 10
- Leonids: November 6-30
- Geminids: December 6-17
- Ursids: December 17-26
In February, an extraordinary event known as a "planet parade" will occur, featuring six planets — Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune — aligning in the evening sky. Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will be the easiest to spot, although Uranus and Neptune may require a high-powered telescope for viewing due to their dimness. This remarkable alignment will become visible shortly after sunset from mid to late February, with Jupiter expected to appear near the moon on February 26.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, keep an eye out for geomagnetic activity, which creates vibrant displays of color in the night sky. These breathtaking lights are typically visible near Earth's polar regions and result from charged solar particles colliding with atmospheric gases, producing a stunning glow. The last sighting of the northern lights across Michigan occurred on November 12 during a strong geomagnetic storm that made it possible to see the auroras as far south as Grand Haven.
To enhance your chances of witnessing these celestial wonders, consider downloading apps that alert you to geomagnetic activity in your area. With clear skies, any evening might just turn into a magical spectacle.
For the best viewing experience, plan to stargaze after sunset when darkness envelops the sky. The ideal locations for observing these astronomical events are rural areas, where city lights won't interfere with visibility. You can also utilize resources like Time and Date to help you determine the best times to look up.
While some events may necessitate a telescope for detailed viewing, visiting local observatories can also be a fantastic way to witness these stunning cosmic occurrences. Michigan is home to several dark sky parks, particularly in the Upper Peninsula, which offer exceptional conditions for stargazing.
So, mark your calendars and prepare your telescopes! This year’s celestial events promise to be unforgettable. Are you excited about the upcoming supermoons and meteor showers? Which event are you looking forward to the most? Share your thoughts below!
