Lunar calendar 2026: discover the 10 most important events of the year

The year 2026 has just begun and already has an intriguing sequence of lunar events on its calendar for those who enjoy observing the sky. Highlights include a series of supermoons (when the Moon appears larger and brighter), solar and lunar eclipses, and close encounters of the Moon with planets visible to the naked eye.

One advantage of astronomical events involving the Moon is that most events can be observed without specialized equipment, although binoculars and telescopes amplify the details. So mark the most important days of the year on your calendar to learn more about Earth’s natural satellite.

1. The first supermoon of the year: January 3, 2026

The first major event takes place in early January. On the 3rd, at dusk, the Full Wolf Moon marks the first supermoon of 2026. The phenomenon occurs when the natural satellite reaches full phase at the point closest to Earth in its orbit, becoming 14 to 30% larger and brighter. This Moon completes the sequence begun at the end of 2025 and opens the series of three supermoons planned for 2026. Even without instruments, the visual difference is generally perceptible to attentive observers.

2. Annular solar eclipse in ring of fire: February 17, 2026

February brings a rare event, but limited to specific regions and which can be observed by few people. On the 17th, during the day, an annular solar eclipse of the ring of fire type occurs, when the Moon covers a large part of the Sun, leaving the light of the star only on its edges. Direct observation will only take place at research stations in Antarctica, parts of southern Africa and Argentina.

3. Growing Moon and Mercury: February 18, 2026

The day after the annular eclipse, another encounter attracts attention after sunset. On February 18, an extremely thin crescent Moon appears near Mercury. With only 2% illumination, the Moon appears low on the horizon, still aligned with Venus, while Saturn appears above. Conjunctions of this type, with three planets, are rare and require clear skies and a clear horizon for adequate viewing.

4. Total Lunar Eclipse “Blood Moon”: March 2-3, 2026

The month of March brings together events awaited by many observers. Between the nights of the 2nd and 3rd, a total lunar eclipse known as the Blood Moon occurs. For fifty-eight minutes, the Full Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow and takes on a red-orange hue. The phenomenon will not repeat itself until 2029 and will be best observed in western North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and the Pacific regions.

During the Blood Moon, Earth’s shadow gives the star reddish tones.

5. Growing Moon and Venus: March 20, 2026

Also in March, on the 20th, there is a conjunction between the crescent Moon and Venus after sunset. About forty-five minutes after sunset, the Moon will appear almost overlapping the neighboring planet. Observation requires the use of binoculars to facilitate identification of the planet and the Moon, which will be poorly lit.

6. Growing Moon, Venus and the Pleiades: April 19, 2026

April presents a scene rich in celestial elements. On the 19th, about an hour after sunset, the crescent Moon approaches the Pleiades, a star cluster known as the Seven Sisters. Venus appears below, while Orion’s stars begin to set, forming a bright cluster on the horizon.

7. Total solar eclipse: August 12, 2026

Although not visible from Brazil, the Moon will likely achieve its greatest feat on August 12. On this day, a total solar eclipse occurs in which the Moon completely blocks the Sun for up to two minutes and eighteen seconds. However, the eclipse will only be visible in its entirety in eastern Greenland. In the Northern Hemisphere, the phenomenon will be partially visible, particularly in Europe.

During a lunar eclipse, the Sun’s light is obscured by the Earth’s satellite

8. Partial lunar eclipse: August 27-28, 2026

A few days later, between August 27 and 28, there will be a partial lunar eclipse which will be visible from South America and will give the Moon a reddish tint. Earth’s shadow moves slowly across the lunar surface before disappearing.

9. Growing Moon and Jupiter: October 6, 2026

October holds a rare encounter. On the 6th, before sunrise, the crescent Moon appears extremely close to Jupiter. Only ten arcseconds separate the two bodies, a distance equivalent to three thousandths of a degree, a rare observation that only occurs once every ten years.

10. Closest supermoon since 2019: December 23, 2026

The calendar ends with a special emphasis on December. On the 23rd, at dusk, the closest supermoon to Earth since 2019 occurs. Although 2026 records three supermoons, this one stands out. The full Moon reaches a distance of 356,740 kilometers, the closest in eight years. However, future records in 2028 and 2029 promise even greater approximations.