Future Events The night sky here at any time of the year is full of beautiful sights and some surprises. Events such as auroras or comets are unpredictable, but when visible will be highlighted on the Home Page and full details will be posted here. As they are observed further details will be posted on the Events Page. If you are planning a trip to the Galloway Astronomy Centre the following astronomical events may help in deciding when to book. 2026 Year’s Highlights: March Zodiacal Light (evening) 12 th April Comet C/2025 R3 PANSTARRS 22 nd April Lyrid Meteor Shower 10 th May Moon between Jupiter and Venus 6 th May Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Summer Noctilucent Clouds 17 th June Moon and Venus Conjunction 28 th July Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower 3 rd Aug Mercury greatest western elongation 12 th Aug Total Solar Eclipse (start 6pm, end 8pm) 12 th Aug Perseid Meteor Shower 28 th Aug Lunar Eclipse (start 3.30am, end 6.24am) Oct Zodiacal Light (evening) 7 th Oct Draconid Meteor Shower 21 st Oct Orionid Meteor Shower 2 nd Nov Moon with Mars and Jupiter 13 th Dec Geminid Meteor Shower 21 st Dec Ursid meteor Shower For BST time add 1 hour to UT when applicable (30th March to 26th Oct) 2026 Comets Most comets do not show much of a tail and look like round fuzzy blobs. In dark skies with little light pollution a 7th magnitude (mag) comet should be visible in binoculars or small telescope. A 5th mag comet or brighter will be visible to the unaided eye. A comet is highly unpredictable and can brighten or fade rapidly so it is worth watching it on a regular basis Details of comets and track maps can be found on the COMETS page. Moon Phases 2026 5 Days either side of the New Moon will always give the darkest skies. This is needed for seeing fainter nebulae and galaxies. Planets (when visible) and brighter star clusters can be viewed at any phase of the Moon.

Future Events The night sky here at any time of the year is full of beautiful sights and some surprises. Events such as auroras or comets are unpredictable, but when visible will be highlighted on the Home Page and full details will be posted here. As they are observed further details will be posted on the Events Page. If you are planning a trip to the Galloway Astronomy Centre the following astronomical events may help in deciding when to book. This year only the Orionids and Geminids meteor showers occur with no moonlight. 2026 Year’s Highlights: March Zodiacal Light (evening) 12 th April Comet C/2025 R3 PANSTARRS 22 nd April Lyrid Meteor Shower 10 th May Moon between Jupiter and Venus 6 th May Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Summer Noctilucent Clouds 17 th June Moon and Venus Conjunction 28 th July Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower 3 rd Aug Mercury greatest western elongation 12 th Aug Total Solar Eclipse (start 6pm, mid 7pm, end 8pm) 12 th Aug Perseid Meteor Shower 28 th Aug Lunar Eclipse (start 3.30am, mid 5am, end 6.24am) Oct Zodiacal Light (evening) 7 th Oct Draconid Meteor Shower 21 st Oct Orionid Meteor Shower 2 nd Nov Moon with Mars and Jupiter 13 th Dec Geminid Meteor Shower 21 st Dec Ursid meteor Shower For BST time add 1 hour to UT when applicable (30th March to 26th Oct) 2026 Comets Most comets do not show much of a tail and look like round fuzzy blobs. In dark skies with little light pollution a 7th magnitude (mag) comet should be visible in binoculars or small telescope. A 5th mag comet or brighter will be visible to the unaided eye. A comet is highly unpredictable and can brighten or fade rapidly so it is worth watching it on a regular basis Details of comets and track maps can be found on the COMETS page Moon Phases 2026 5 Days either side of the New Moon will always give the darkest skies. This is needed for seeing fainter nebulae and galaxies. Planets (when visible) and brighter star clusters can be viewed at any phase of the Moon.