Where to journey: Much of North America, eastern Asia and Australia will probably be nicely positioned for this whole lunar eclipse, so you’ll be able to layer the eclipse into a much bigger journey.
Hot tip: There’s no particular tools wanted to view a complete lunar eclipse, although binoculars or telescopes will allow you to see particulars on the lunar floor.
Spring equinox auroras: ~20 March 2026
Around the spring equinox, geomagnetic circumstances usually favour heightened auroral exercise. While we have lately skilled a photo voltaic most, or the height in geomagnetic exercise in the 11-year photo voltaic cycle, we will nonetheless anticipate sturdy northern lights reveals in northern locations in the approaching yr.
Where to journey: Iceland, northern Norway, Swedish or Finnish Lapland, Alaska or northern (*7*).
Hot tip: Give your self as many days as potential to see the northern lights; aurora chasing requires loads of endurance.
Total photo voltaic eclipse: 12 August 2026
This is the occasion of the yr. A complete photo voltaic eclipse – when the moon utterly obscures the solar – will sweep throughout Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, plunging noon into darkness.
Where to journey: Spain provides probably the most infrastructure and comfort for a land-based eclipse journey, as Iceland is generally booked up already. Greenland is greatest skilled by way of an expedition cruise, whereas large ocean ships will probably be ideally situated throughout the Mediterranean and the Bay of Biscay.
Hot tip: Book lodging or cruises now. If you are travelling by land, have a backup viewing location in case of clouds – and be prepared to maneuver at a second’s discover.
Perseid meteor bathe peak: 12–13 August 2026
The Perseids are summer’s nice celestial present, with dozens of quick, brilliant meteors streaking throughout night time skies each hour. This yr, the height of the meteor shower coincides with the brand new moon, so there will probably be little gentle air pollution to intrude with the present.
Where to journey: Dark-sky locations throughout the Northern Hemisphere – try Dark Sky International for an inventory of dark-sky areas around the globe.
Hot tip: Skip telescopes or binoculars. Bring blankets or camp chairs, lie again and let the sky do the work.
Geminid meteor bathe peak: 13–14 December 2026
Often thought of the strongest meteor bathe of the yr, the Geminids produce quite a few vibrant meteors each hour. During the 2026 peak, the moon will probably be {a partially} illuminated waxing crescent, so gentle air pollution will not be too a lot of an issue.
Where to journey: While the Geminids are greatest considered in the Northern Hemisphere, you’ll be able to nonetheless see them in the Southern Hemisphere. Again, Dark Sky International is a good useful resource for choosing the proper spot.
Hot tip: December stargazing is an endurance sport in cold-weather destinations – gown accordingly.
A model of this text initially appeared on Condé Nast Traveler US.