Space / NASA
Space launches, NASA missions, SpaceX events, and major astronomical announcements.
Upcoming Events
Orionid Meteor Shower Peak
Annual meteor shower from Halley's Comet debris peaks overnight October 21-22. Up to 20 meteors/hour at peak. The 80% gibbous moon sets before dawn, giving a good window for viewing in the pre-dawn hours.
Taurid Meteor Shower Peak 2026
The Southern Taurids meteor shower peaks around November 4–5, followed by the Northern Taurids on November 11–12. A long-running minor shower producing 5–10 meteors per hour, known occasionally for bright fireballs. Produced by debris from Comet 2P/Encke.
Leonid Meteor Shower Peak
Annual meteor shower from Comet Tempel-Tuttle peaks overnight November 17-18. Expect 10-15 meteors/hour under dark skies. A first-quarter moon will reduce visibility somewhat but sets before the best viewing hours.
Uranus at Opposition
Uranus reaches opposition on November 25, appearing at its brightest and closest to Earth for the year. Barely visible to the naked eye under ideal conditions, it will be best observed through binoculars or a telescope.
Europa Clipper Earth Gravity Assist
NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft performs an Earth gravity assist flyby on its journey to Jupiter's moon Europa. The spacecraft launched October 2024 and used a Mars gravity assist in March 2025.
Geminid Meteor Shower Peak
The Geminid meteor shower peaks in December 2026 under moonless skies, with up to 120 bright and colorful meteors per hour expected under optimum conditions.
December Solstice 2026 — Winter Solstice
The December solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the official start of astronomical winter. The Sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky at 20:49 UTC. Coincides with the peak of the Ursid meteor shower.
Ursid Meteor Shower Peak 2026
The Ursid meteor shower peaks around December 21–22, coinciding with the winter solstice. Produced by debris from comet 8P/Tuttle, it radiates from the constellation Ursa Minor near Polaris. Expect 5–10 meteors per hour; the bright gibbous moon may reduce visibility in 2026.
ESA Hera Arrives at Didymos Asteroid System
ESA Hera spacecraft arrives at the Didymos double asteroid system to investigate the aftermath of NASA DART kinetic impact on Dimorphos, beginning a six-month study of planetary defense.
Vast Haven-1 Space Station Launch
Vast Space launches Haven-1, the world's first commercial space station, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Originally targeted for May 2026, now delayed to no earlier than Q1 2027. The single-module station will host up to four short-duration astronaut missions during its three-year lifespan.
Mars at Opposition
Mars reaches opposition on February 19, 2027, appearing at its brightest and closest to Earth. The Red Planet will shine prominently in the constellation Leo, approximately 63 million miles from Earth.