Space / NASA
Space launches, NASA missions, SpaceX events, and major astronomical announcements.
Upcoming Events
Venus at Greatest Western Elongation — August 2028
Venus reaches greatest western elongation, appearing as a brilliant morning star before sunrise.
Perseid Meteor Storm Prediction — August 12, 2028
Astronomers predict Earth may pass through a dense debris trail left by Comet Swift-Tuttle on the night of August 11-12, 2028, potentially triggering a rare Perseid meteor outburst with rates far above the usual peak. A possible once-in-a-generation Perseid display.
42nd Annual Small Satellite Conference (SmallSat 2028)
The annual Small Satellite Conference returns for its 42nd edition, showcasing the latest in smallsat technology, missions, launch services and constellation operations.
Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation — September 2028
Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation, at its highest point above the evening horizon.
September Equinox 2028 — Autumn Equinox
The Sun crosses the celestial equator, bringing nearly equal day and night worldwide. Marks the first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
Neptune at Opposition 2028
Neptune sits directly opposite the Sun, at its closest approach to Earth and fully illuminated. The best time all year to observe the ice giant, though a telescope is required.
Draconid Meteor Shower Peak 2028
The Draconid meteor shower reaches its peak, best viewed in the early evening rather than after midnight.
Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation — October 2028
Mercury reaches greatest western elongation, best viewed low in the eastern sky before sunrise.
Orionid Meteor Shower Peak 2028
The Orionid meteor shower, debris from Halley's Comet, reaches its peak.
Saturn at Opposition 2028
Saturn reaches opposition, optimally positioned for observation at its closest and brightest for the year.
NASA Lucy — Orus Trojan Asteroid Flyby
NASA's Lucy spacecraft flies past the Jupiter Trojan asteroid 21900 Orus.
Taurid Meteor Shower Peak 2028
The Northern Taurid meteor shower reaches its peak, known for slow, bright fireballs.
Leonid Meteor Shower Peak 2028
The Leonid meteor shower reaches its peak, produced by debris from Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle.
Uranus at Opposition 2028
Uranus reaches opposition, at its closest and brightest for the year and visible with binoculars under dark skies.
Geminid Meteor Shower Peak 2028
The Geminid meteor shower reaches its peak, typically the richest shower of the year.
December Solstice 2028 — Winter Solstice
The shortest day of 2028 in the northern hemisphere, marking the start of astronomical winter.
Ursid Meteor Shower Peak 2028
The Ursids peak with 5 to 10 meteors per hour, produced by dust grains from comet 8P/Tuttle. Radiates from the constellation Ursa Minor.
Total Lunar Eclipse — December 31, 2028
A total lunar eclipse closing out 2028, with an umbral magnitude of 1.246 and a total phase lasting 1 hour 11 minutes within a partial phase of about 3 hours 29 minutes. Greatest eclipse at 16:53 TD. Date verified against NASA's decade lunar eclipse table (this is a genuine computed eclipse date, not an approximation).
Quadrantid Meteor Shower Peak 2029
The Quadrantids peak with up to 40 meteors per hour, produced by dust grains from the extinct comet 2003 EH1. Radiates from the constellation Bootes.
Partial Solar Eclipse — January 14, 2029
A partial solar eclipse visible across North and Central America.