Celestial Spectacles Beckon
The year 2026 is set to be a captivating period for skywatchers, offering a remarkable array of astronomical phenomena that promise to leave observers
in awe. Among the most anticipated events are 13 must-see moon happenings, including dazzling eclipses and the striking appearance of supermoons, where our lunar companion seems to swell in size. Beyond these lunar highlights, a further 15 distinct skywatching events are lined up, ensuring that almost every month presents an opportunity for wonder. These could range from planetary conjunctions, where planets appear to gather closely in the night sky, to meteor showers painting streaks of light across the darkness. The sheer frequency and variety of these occurrences mean that both seasoned astronomers and casual observers will find ample reason to gaze upwards, with particular attention paid to an 'eclipse of the century' anticipated in 2027, with tours and unique experiences already being planned for this colossal event, signaling a growing public interest in celestial marvels.
North America's Dark Skies
For those eager to witness the wonders of the night sky with unparalleled clarity, North America boasts an impressive collection of stargazing locations. Ten of the continent's most exceptional sites offer minimal light pollution, allowing for the most immersive celestial experiences. These destinations are often characterized by their remote settings, far from the glare of urban centers, providing pristine views of the Milky Way, distant galaxies, and the myriad stars that populate the cosmos. Whether nestled in national parks with designated dark-sky preserves or situated atop remote mountain ranges, these spots are curated to offer the best possible conditions for observing everything from planetary alignments to the subtle glow of nebulae. The choices cater to a range of preferences, from easily accessible overlooks to more adventurous backcountry excursions, all united by the promise of a truly breathtaking panorama of the universe above.
Space-Themed Adventures
The allure of space extends beyond the natural world into the realms of interactive entertainment and creative building. In the gaming sphere, players can anticipate a diverse range of experiences. A new roguelite survival action game, 'Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown,' is set to transport fans into the Delta Quadrant, offering a fresh take on familiar narratives. Furthermore, the extraction shooter genre is poised for a significant release with Bungie's 'Marathon,' slated for March 5th, promising an intense cooperative experience. Looking back, a retrospective on space dogfighting games, from the classic 'Asteroids' to the ambitious 'Star Citizen,' charts the evolution of this subgenre. On the construction front, LEGO enthusiasts can look forward to exciting additions in 2026. The 'Best Lego NASA sets 2026' will allow builders to recreate iconic spacecraft and missions, from the Apollo 11 Rover to the Artemis 2 program. Alongside these, a selection of the 'Best Lego Marvel sets 2026' and the '10 most expensive Lego Marvel sets' highlight the enduring popularity of superhero-themed building kits.
Galactic Journeys and Future Horizons
The vastness of space continues to inspire both entertainment and technological ambition. In the realm of television, viewers can anticipate a host of new sci-fi and space-themed shows in 2026, with 16 upcoming series promising diverse narratives. Similarly, the cinematic landscape will be enriched by 10 highly anticipated sci-fi movies releasing in 2026, offering fresh explorations of futuristic themes and cosmic adventures. The gaming world also sees a surge of innovation, with 11 new space and sci-fi games slated for release in 2026, alongside a ranked list of the best sci-fi and space games from 2025, highlighting the genre's vibrant present. The exploration theme is further amplified by a massive expedition by over 8,000 'Elite Dangerous' players embarking on a three-month journey through the Milky Way, showcasing the enduring appeal of virtual space exploration. Beyond entertainment, the scientific community is pushing boundaries. China has initiated a 5-year plan to develop space-based data centers, signaling a significant step towards leveraging extraterrestrial environments for advanced computing infrastructure. These developments collectively paint a picture of a future deeply intertwined with space, from our immediate entertainment to long-term technological aspirations.
