By Radmila Topalovic
The start of a new year is commonly associated with change – a new routine, a change of job, a focus on health. In the UK for 600 years the new year began on 25th March, we officially adopted 1st January in 1752, the date set by the Romans over 2000 years ago. I personally would like each year to begin in early September, just as the seasons shift and the academic year begins. The beauty of January is the early sunsets and more time for stargazing. We may change, but so does the night sky.
Let’s start with our cherished Moon, back in the news after NASA announced they are planning to send four astronauts in orbit around our natural satellite as early as February 2026. The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is oval, its distance from us varies by as much as 14%. At its closest point to Earth (called perigee), we have a supermoon if the Moon is full. The first perigee of the year happens to be on 1st January, we’ll see our bright supermoon two days later. The biggest and brightest supermoon of 2026 takes place 24th December, a dazzling spotlight over Earth.
The Moon’s orbit is also inclined, occasionally it dips between the Earth and the Sun providing us with a solar eclipse. The next total eclipse is on 12th August, we will see a partial eclipse from Europe. If the Moon pops into Earth’s shadow we are treated to a lunar eclipse. A total lunar eclipse takes place on 3rd March and will be visible from eastern Asia and Australia as well as parts of North and South America. The second is a partial lunar eclipse on 28th August and visible from Europe.
The planets gather at various points throughout the year, providing us with lots of opportunities for photos and stargazing parties. In January, Jupiter is super bright next to Gemini, in May our largest planet is joined by the hottest planet, Venus. Later in the month you’ll see Saturn and Mars rising in the east at dawn. Venus and Jupiter are joined by Mercury in early June. Uranus will be found with Mars and Saturn in late June however you’ll need a telescope to see it. Venus hides behind the crescent Moon on 14th September and 16th November brings a beautiful close approach of Mars and Jupiter in the sky after midnight.
Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) will pop into our sky in early Spring, binoculars will be needed to see it. If you don’t catch a comet, the next best thing is a meteor shower - most originate from cometary debris. There are two major meteor showers, the Perseids peak over the night of 12–13th August, and the Geminids reach a maximum on 14th December.
There is a lot to see from wherever you are, but to really feel the full experience of the cosmos you may want to try a dark sky reserve. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) website lists sites around the world that are free from light pollution. Our Night Sky Almanac and Guide to the Night Sky will help you plan your observing session, let this year carry you above and beyond and reach for the stars!
Find out more
Follow the progress of constellations throughout the seasons and never miss a night sky event wherever you are in the world with this beautiful month-by-month companion to the night sky. The Night Sky Almanac 2026 is out now.