WHAT’S UP(COMING)! – Observation Calendar Feb-Apr 2026
Source for events and links below are In-The-Sky.org, Dominic Ford, Editor. The links provide details for each event including a scale on how difficult they are to observe.
Additionally, here’s a link to a printable PDF for “Navigating the mid February Night Sky” from our friends at the Astronomical League!
Feb 1 – Close approach of the Moon and M44
– Full Moon
Feb 17 – New Moon
Feb 18 – Conjunction of the Moon and Mercury
Feb 19 – Messier 81 is well placed
– Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn
Feb 20 – Mercury at highest altitude in evening sky
Feb 23 – Close approach of the Moon and M45
Feb 26 – Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter
Feb 27 – Asteroid 7 Iris at opposition
Feb 28 – Close approach of the Moon and M44
Mar 3 – Total lunar eclipse
– Full Moon
Mar 18 – New Moon
Mar 20 – Conjunction of the Moon and Venus
Mar 21 – Asteroid 20 Massalia at opposition
Mar 22 – Mercury at highest altitude in morning sky
Mar 23 – Close approach of the Moon and M45
Mar 26 – Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter
Mar 27 – Close approach of the Moon and M44
Apr 1 – 136472 Makemake at opposition
– Full Moon
Apr 2 – The Sombrero Galaxy is well placed
Apr 3 – Mercury at greatest elongation west
Apr 5 – Messier 94 is well placed
Apr 15 – The Whirlpool Galaxy is well placed
Apr 17 – New Moon
Apr 18 – Messier 3 is well placed
Apr 15 – Close approach of the Moon and M45
Apr 22 – Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter
– Lyrid meteor shower 2026 peak
Apr 23 – 136108 Haumea at opposition
Apr 24 – Messier 101 is well placed
