Astronomical events in 2026: Bangladesh to witness rare celestial shows

The year 2026 promises a series of rare and exciting celestial events, offering astronomy enthusiasts in Bangladesh a chance to witness the wonders of the universe firsthand.

Scientists predict a remarkable lineup of phenomena including planetary alignments, lunar and solar eclipses, and meteor showers.

Key astronomical events visible in 2026 include:

January – Jupiter at its Brightest: In early January, Jupiter reached opposition, appearing at its brightest and closest to Earth. With clear skies, the planet and its four largest moons could be seen even with a small telescope.

February – ‘Ring of Fire’ Solar Eclipse: A partial solar eclipse occurred on February 17, forming the famous “Ring of Fire.” While this phenomenon was primarily visible from Antarctica, it drew global attention.

March – ‘Blood Moon’ Lunar Eclipse: On March 3, a total lunar eclipse will turn the moon a striking red hue, visible across Asia, Europe, Australia, and, weather permitting, Bangladesh.

August – Meteor Showers: While the total solar eclipse on August 12 will not be visible from Bangladesh, the Perseids meteor shower on the nights of August 12–13 could be observed from the country, with 50–70 meteors per hour under dark skies.

August 28 – Partial Lunar Eclipse: Bangladesh may witness a partial lunar eclipse towards the end of August.

December – Geminid Meteor Shower: One of the year’s most colourful meteor showers, the Geminids in mid-December, will be visible from Bangladesh and can be enjoyed with the naked eye under clear skies.

Astronomers say 2026 will be a memorable year for stargazers and space enthusiasts in Bangladesh, offering multiple opportunities to observe the cosmos’ extraordinary phenomena.

Author:  Samiul Ibne Hossain, contributor