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Be inspired by the astronomical highlights of summer 2026. A rare planetary trio, a total solar eclipse, the most beautiful shooting stars of the year, and a comet. This
summer has plenty to offer. So that you don’t miss any of these astronomical events, we have put together an overview.
In this infographic, you will find a quick overview and a selection of particularly interesting celestial phenomena. More information and details with explanations can
be found in the accompanying text. Enjoy observing!
June
03.06.2026 – Planetary trio in the western sky.
At the beginning of June, a planetary trio consisting of Venus, Mercury, and Jupiter appears very low in the western sky, directly above the horizon. All three are located in the constellation Gemini. This is actually one of the winter constellations, but its position far to the west shows that winter has long since ceased to matter. In any case, it is a beautiful sight and perhaps worth a photo.
09.06.2026 – Venus meets Jupiter
Before it gets properly dark, two brilliantly bright planets meet in the western twilight: Venus and Jupiter. They are separated by only 1 degree and 22 arcminutes. Venus reaches a magnitude of -3.8, close to its brightest phase.
17.06.2026 – Moon meets Venus
Shortly after the middle of the month, there is another very beautiful event: the very slender crescent Moon meets Venus. In the evening twilight, when the sky is not yet completely dark, it creates a wonderful sight. One that appeals not only to amateur astronomers, but also to people who normally do not look up at the sky. The Moon is only three days old. Compared with the beginning of the month, Venus has gained a little more brightness. It is now shining at its maximum brilliance.
21.06.2026 – Start of summer
27.06.2026 – Moon meets Antares
The full Moon is approaching. On this evening, the Moon meets red Antares, the main star of the constellation Scorpius. At around 10 p.m., both can be seen toward the south. They cross the meridian and disappear below the horizon at around 3 a.m.
28.06.2026 – Mars meets the Pleiades
Very early in the morning, Mars approaches the Pleiades, the M45 star cluster in the constellation Taurus. Since Taurus is one of the winter constellations, it can only be seen shortly before sunrise, at around 3 a.m. in the northeast together with Mars. Both climb quite a bit higher until twilight begins, but then disappear in the glare of sunlight.
July
04.07.2026 – Mars meets Uranus
In the early morning hours, Mars and Uranus rise above the northeastern horizon. As a duo, they move across the sky until they disappear in the morning twilight. They are separated by only 0.7 degrees. This means that both can be observed together in one eyepiece field of view or photographed in a single image field.
07.07.2026 – Moon meets Saturn
Today and tomorrow morning, the approximately half-illuminated Moon passes above the ringed planet Saturn. Both are currently located in the constellation Pisces. The constellation lies below Andromeda and Pegasus – and is relatively inconspicuous, as there are no bright stars to be found in it.
09.07.2026 – Venus meets Regulus
The last two July events took place in the morning sky. Today, Venus makes things more convenient. It appears in the evening sky. Low in the west, it shines as the brilliant evening star and stands just above Regulus, the main star of the
constellation Leo.
17.07.2026 – Moon meets Venus
As soon as twilight sets in, two beautiful celestial objects emerge on the western horizon: the delicate crescent Moon and the planet Venus. Together with the landscape, this creates a beautiful atmospheric scene.
24.07.2026 – Golden Handle
On 24 July, the Moon shows itself at its most beautiful: the Golden Handle is visible. The low-angle illumination near the lunar terminator creates a fascinating play of light and shadow. For several hours, the peaks of the Montes Jura are illuminated by the Sun, while the small plain of Sinus Iridum still lies in shadow.
30.07.2026 – Aquariids
The July or Delta Aquariids reach their maximum on the 30th. These are shooting stars from the region of the constellation Aquarius. Under good conditions, up to 25 shooting stars per hour are possible! Unfortunately, the bright Moon interferes with observation this year.
August
02.08.2026 – Comet 10P/Tempel 2
Comet 10P/Tempel 2 is currently visible in the sky and reaches a brightness of up to magnitude 8. Today it passes through perihelion; tomorrow it approaches Earth to within 61 million kilometers. From around 11 p.m., it rises above the horizon – clearly visible with binoculars or a telescope. It reaches its highest position at around 2:24 a.m.
08.08.2026 – Mercury visible
Mercury is the innermost planet and accordingly fast-moving. Its apparent distance from the Sun is small. That is why you do not often get to see it. At the moment, however, it appears in the morning sky with pleasant brightness. From 1 August to around 15 August, it can be spotted above the eastern horizon.
09.08.2026 – Moon meets Mars
The waning crescent Moon passes the planet Mars. Both are located in the constellation Taurus. Tomorrow, the Moon moves into the constellation Gemini.
12.08.2026 – Solar eclipse
On 12 August, another total solar eclipse will take place. In most parts of Europe, it will be visible as a partial eclipse. It is the first total solar eclipse in Europe in 27 years, making it a very special event for everyone on the continent. The eclipse
takes place in the evening hours shortly before sunset. A good observing location with an unobstructed view to the west is therefore ideal. More information with times and observing locations can be found in our magazine article on the solar eclipse.
12.08.2026 – Perseids
They are the most beautiful shooting stars of the year: the Perseids. And on the same day as the solar eclipse. This day is truly astronomical! In the morning hours of 13 August, the meteor shower reaches its maximum. In theory, up to 100 shooting stars per hour can appear, traveling at an incredible speed of around 216,000 km/h. The maximum occurs between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. And because there is also a solar eclipse today, we have a new Moon: the shooting stars can therefore be observed without interference.
16.08.2026 – Moon meets Venus
A beautiful sight in the evening sky: Venus and the very slender, four-day-old crescent Moon meet today.
28.08.2026 – Partial lunar eclipse
On 28 August, a partial lunar eclipse will take place in the second half of the night. Its initial phase is easy to observe. Although the eclipse is partial, it has a very high eclipse magnitude: 93.5% of the Moon enters the umbra. At first, the full Moon can still be seen quite normally; the penumbra is barely noticeable. At 4:34 a.m. CEST, the Moon enters the umbra. Shortly after the maximum, the Moon sets. We will therefore no longer be able to follow its exit.
