Event Dates
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November–December 2025
- Supermoon: A new moon will occur on November 20, and a last quarter moon on December 11.
- Leonid meteor shower: The annual Leonids peak on the night of November 16–17. Viewing conditions in 2025 will be favourable as it falls near a new moon. The shower is known for fast, bright meteors, and while it doesn’t always roar, it’s worth checking out from a dark location.
- Geminid meteor shower: This reliable meteor shower peaks on the night of December 13–14. The Geminids are known for producing a large number of bright, multicoloured meteors, with rates potentially reaching 150 per hour under dark skies.
January–July 2026
- Quadrantid meteor shower: A major shower that can produce over 100 meteors per hour, but the peak is short and occurs around January 3. In 2026, viewing conditions will be hampered by a full moon.
- Lyrid meteor shower: Peaks on the night of April 21–22, and 2026 offers good viewing conditions with a dark sky during the peak.
- Eta Aquariid meteor shower: Associated with Comet Halley, this shower is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere. However, it is possible to see some meteors low on the eastern horizon before dawn on May 5.
August–December 2026
- Partial solar eclipse: On August 12, 2026, the UK will experience a deep partial solar eclipse in the late afternoon.
- The moon will obscure over 90% of the sun as seen from parts of the UK.
- In Bexhill-on-Sea, the event will occur in the early evening, just before sunset.
- Warning: It is extremely dangerous to look at the sun during an eclipse without proper eye protection.
- Perseid meteor shower: The peak for this major shower falls around August 12–13. In 2026, a new moon will provide ideal dark skies for viewing.
- Orionid meteor shower: This annual shower peaks around October 23. In 2026, a bright gibbous moon will interfere with viewing conditions.
- Leonid meteor shower: This shower peaks on November 17, with maximum rates potentially reaching 15 per hour.
- Geminid meteor shower: Peaks again on December 13–14, offering excellent conditions with the moon setting early.
Getting the best view
- Find a dark location: Move away from city and streetlights, as light pollution can significantly reduce visibility.
- Give your eyes time to adjust: Allow at least 20 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark for the best stargazing experience.
- Bring comfort items: A reclining chair or a blanket can make spending time outdoors more comfortable.
- Check the local forecast: Clear skies are essential for viewing. Several UK cities have organised stargazing events at observatories or planetariums, which can still offer indoor presentations if the weather is cloudy.