{ "events": [ { "id": "june-solstice-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "June solstice", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-06-21T08:24:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-06-21T09:24:00Z", "summary": "Earth reaches the June solstice.", "detail": "Southern Hemisphere winter solstice and Northern Hemisphere summer solstice.", "url": "https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/june-solstice.html", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "seasonal", "eventClassLabel": "Seasonal marker", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global", "Southern Hemisphere", "Northern Hemisphere" ], "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "context", "observingTips": "Use as a seasonal astronomy note rather than an observing target." }, { "id": "june-bootids-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "June Bootid meteor shower", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-06-27T12:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-06-28T12:00:00Z", "summary": "The June Bootids reach their expected peak around 27 June.", "detail": "A usually weak but unpredictable meteor shower, active from late June into early July.", "url": "https://www.imo.net/resources/calendar/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "meteor-shower", "eventClassLabel": "Meteor shower", "visibility": "hemisphere", "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "hemisphere": "north", "regionTags": [ "Northern Hemisphere" ], "observingTips": "Best after midnight from a dark site. Check moonlight and cloud closer to the date." }, { "id": "earth-aphelion-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Earth at aphelion", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-07-06T17:30:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-07-06T18:30:00Z", "summary": "Earth reaches its farthest point from the Sun for 2026.", "detail": "A useful seasonal astronomy note: Earth is farthest from the Sun during Northern Hemisphere summer and Southern Hemisphere winter.", "url": "https://aa.usno.navy.mil/calculated/seasons", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "orbital", "eventClassLabel": "Earth orbit marker", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global" ], "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "context", "observingTips": "Not directly visible, but useful for explaining seasons and Earth\u2019s elliptical orbit." }, { "id": "delta-aquariids-alpha-capricornids-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Southern Delta Aquariids and alpha Capricornids", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-07-30T12:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-08-01T12:00:00Z", "summary": "Two late-July meteor showers peak around the same time.", "detail": "Best viewed after midnight from dark skies. Southern Hemisphere observers generally get a better view of the Southern Delta Aquariids.", "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/watch-the-skies/2026/01/16/most-notable-2026-astronomical-events-a-year-of-watching-the-skies/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "meteor-shower", "eventClassLabel": "Meteor shower", "visibility": "hemisphere", "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "hemisphere": "south", "regionTags": [ "Southern Hemisphere", "Australia" ], "observingTips": "Best after midnight from a dark site. Check moonlight and cloud closer to the date." }, { "id": "total-solar-eclipse-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Total solar eclipse", "category": "sky", "severity": "watch", "startUtc": "2026-08-12T16:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-08-12T19:00:00Z", "summary": "A total solar eclipse crosses parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain.", "detail": "A major global sky event. Partial phases are visible across a much wider region, including much of Europe.", "url": "https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 80, "eventClass": "solar-eclipse", "eventClassLabel": "Solar eclipse", "visibility": "regional", "hemisphere": "both", "publicInterest": "high", "observingValue": "major", "regionTags": [ "Europe", "North Atlantic", "Regional" ], "observingTips": "Check local visibility and safe-viewing guidance closer to the event.", "safetyNote": "Solar eclipses require certified solar viewing protection except during totality in the path of totality." }, { "id": "perseids-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Perseid meteor shower", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-08-13T02:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-08-13T12:00:00Z", "summary": "The Perseids peak with very favourable moonlight conditions.", "detail": "One of the strongest annual meteor showers. The 2026 peak occurs near new Moon, making this a strong year for dark-sky viewing.", "url": "https://www.imo.net/resources/calendar/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "meteor-shower", "eventClassLabel": "Meteor shower", "visibility": "hemisphere", "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "hemisphere": "north", "regionTags": [ "Northern Hemisphere" ], "observingTips": "Best after midnight from a dark site. Check moonlight and cloud closer to the date.", "moonImpact": "Moonlight may reduce visibility." }, { "id": "partial-lunar-eclipse-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Partial lunar eclipse", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-08-28T00:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-08-28T04:00:00Z", "summary": "A partial lunar eclipse occurs on 27\u201328 August UTC.", "detail": "Visible from the Americas, Europe, Africa and western Asia. Not a good Australia-focused eclipse, but a major global Moon event.", "url": "https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 80, "eventClass": "lunar-eclipse", "eventClassLabel": "Lunar eclipse", "visibility": "regional", "hemisphere": "both", "publicInterest": "high", "observingValue": "major", "regionTags": [ "Europe", "North Atlantic", "Regional" ], "observingTips": "Check local visibility and safe-viewing guidance closer to the event." }, { "id": "september-equinox-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "September equinox", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-09-23T00:05:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-09-23T01:05:00Z", "summary": "Earth reaches the September equinox.", "detail": "Southern Hemisphere spring equinox and Northern Hemisphere autumn equinox.", "url": "https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/seasons.html", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "seasonal", "eventClassLabel": "Seasonal marker", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global", "Southern Hemisphere", "Northern Hemisphere" ], "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "context", "observingTips": "Use as a seasonal astronomy note rather than an observing target." }, { "id": "orionids-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Orionid meteor shower", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-10-21T12:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-10-22T12:00:00Z", "summary": "The Orionids reach their expected peak.", "detail": "A Halley\u2019s Comet meteor shower. The 2026 peak has strong moonlight, so viewing may be reduced.", "url": "https://www.imo.net/resources/calendar/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "meteor-shower", "eventClassLabel": "Meteor shower", "visibility": "hemisphere", "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global", "Southern Hemisphere", "Northern Hemisphere" ], "observingTips": "Best after midnight from a dark site. Check moonlight and cloud closer to the date.", "moonImpact": "Moonlight may reduce visibility." }, { "id": "leonids-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Leonid meteor shower", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-11-17T12:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-11-18T12:00:00Z", "summary": "The Leonids reach their expected peak.", "detail": "Usually a modest shower, but historically known for rare storm years. Best after midnight from a dark site.", "url": "https://www.imo.net/resources/calendar/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "meteor-shower", "eventClassLabel": "Meteor shower", "visibility": "hemisphere", "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global", "Southern Hemisphere", "Northern Hemisphere" ], "observingTips": "Best after midnight from a dark site. Check moonlight and cloud closer to the date." }, { "id": "november-supermoon-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "November supermoon", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-11-24T14:53:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-11-25T14:53:00Z", "summary": "The November full Moon is one of 2026\u2019s supermoons.", "detail": "The Moon is near perigee, making it appear slightly larger and brighter than an average full Moon.", "url": "https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/next-full-moon", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "moon", "eventClassLabel": "Moon event", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global" ], "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "observingTips": "Easy public-interest target. Best rising or setting near the horizon for photos." }, { "id": "geminids-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Geminid meteor shower", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-12-14T12:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-12-15T12:00:00Z", "summary": "The Geminids reach their expected peak.", "detail": "One of the best annual meteor showers, often producing bright meteors. Check moonlight and local weather closer to the date.", "url": "https://www.imo.net/resources/calendar/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "meteor-shower", "eventClassLabel": "Meteor shower", "visibility": "hemisphere", "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global", "Southern Hemisphere", "Northern Hemisphere" ], "observingTips": "Best after midnight from a dark site. Check moonlight and cloud closer to the date.", "moonImpact": "Moonlight may reduce visibility." }, { "id": "december-solstice-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "December solstice", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-12-21T20:50:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-12-21T21:50:00Z", "summary": "Earth reaches the December solstice.", "detail": "Southern Hemisphere summer solstice and Northern Hemisphere winter solstice.", "url": "https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/seasons.html", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "seasonal", "eventClassLabel": "Seasonal marker", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global", "Southern Hemisphere", "Northern Hemisphere" ], "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "context", "observingTips": "Use as a seasonal astronomy note rather than an observing target." }, { "id": "ursids-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Ursid meteor shower", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-12-22T12:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-12-23T12:00:00Z", "summary": "The Ursids reach their expected peak.", "detail": "A smaller December meteor shower. Usually modest, but occasionally produces brief enhancements.", "url": "https://www.imo.net/resources/calendar/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "meteor-shower", "eventClassLabel": "Meteor shower", "visibility": "hemisphere", "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "hemisphere": "north", "regionTags": [ "Northern Hemisphere" ], "observingTips": "Best after midnight from a dark site. Check moonlight and cloud closer to the date." }, { "id": "december-supermoon-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "December supermoon", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-12-24T01:28:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-12-25T01:28:00Z", "summary": "The December full Moon is the closest full supermoon of 2026.", "detail": "A bright full Moon near perigee. Good public-interest sky event, though not ideal for deep-sky observing.", "url": "https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/super-full-moon.html", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "moon", "eventClassLabel": "Moon event", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global" ], "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "observingTips": "Easy public-interest target. Best rising or setting near the horizon for photos." }, { "id": "mercury-greatest-western-elongation-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Mercury at greatest western elongation", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-08-02T18:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-08-02T19:00:00Z", "summary": "Mercury reaches its greatest western elongation from the Sun.", "detail": "One of the best morning observing opportunities for Mercury during 2026.", "url": "https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/planets/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "orbital", "eventClassLabel": "Orbital event", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global" ], "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "observingTips": "Look low in the eastern sky before sunrise." }, { "id": "jupiter-conjunction-sun-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Jupiter in conjunction with the Sun", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-07-29T22:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-07-29T23:00:00Z", "summary": "Jupiter passes behind the Sun from Earth's perspective.", "detail": "Jupiter becomes difficult to observe before gradually returning to the morning sky.", "url": "https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/planets/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "orbital", "eventClassLabel": "Orbital event", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global" ], "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "context", "observingTips": "Not observable due to its close apparent position to the Sun." }, { "id": "venus-greatest-eastern-elongation-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Venus at greatest eastern elongation", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-08-15T16:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-08-15T17:00:00Z", "summary": "Venus reaches its greatest eastern elongation.", "detail": "One of the best evening appearances of Venus during 2026.", "url": "https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/planets/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "orbital", "eventClassLabel": "Orbital event", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global" ], "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "observingTips": "Look towards the western sky after sunset." }, { "id": "neptune-opposition-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Neptune at opposition", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-09-26T10:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-09-26T11:00:00Z", "summary": "Neptune reaches opposition.", "detail": "The best time of year to observe Neptune as it is visible all night.", "url": "https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/planets/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "orbital", "eventClassLabel": "Orbital event", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global" ], "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "observingTips": "Best viewed around local midnight." }, { "id": "saturn-opposition-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Saturn at opposition", "category": "sky", "severity": "watch", "startUtc": "2026-10-04T22:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-10-04T23:00:00Z", "summary": "Saturn reaches opposition.", "detail": "The best time of year to observe Saturn, with the planet visible throughout the night.", "url": "https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/planets/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 70, "eventClass": "orbital", "eventClassLabel": "Orbital event", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global" ], "publicInterest": "high", "observingValue": "major", "observingTips": "Excellent target for binoculars and telescopes." }, { "id": "venus-inferior-conjunction-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Venus at inferior conjunction", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-10-24T13:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-10-24T14:00:00Z", "summary": "Venus passes between Earth and the Sun.", "detail": "Venus transitions from the evening sky to the morning sky.", "url": "https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/planets/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "orbital", "eventClassLabel": "Orbital event", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global" ], "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "context", "observingTips": "Not safe to observe close to the Sun." }, { "id": "uranus-opposition-2026", "enabled": true, "title": "Uranus at opposition", "category": "sky", "severity": "info", "startUtc": "2026-11-26T09:00:00Z", "endUtc": "2026-11-26T10:00:00Z", "summary": "Uranus reaches opposition.", "detail": "The best time of year to observe Uranus as it is visible all night.", "url": "https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/planets/", "source": "SpaceOpsLab curated", "reviewStatus": "approved", "approvalSource": "manual-curated", "confidence": "curated", "audience": [ "public", "astronomy-report" ], "priority": 50, "eventClass": "orbital", "eventClassLabel": "Orbital event", "visibility": "global", "hemisphere": "both", "regionTags": [ "Global" ], "publicInterest": "medium", "observingValue": "observable", "observingTips": "A small telescope or binoculars under dark skies will help." } ], "schemaVersion": "2026-06-sky-events-v2", "description": "Curated public sky events used by SpaceOpsLab. Predictable items are manually maintained; discovery candidates should be reviewed before approval.", "updatedUtc": "2026-07-25T00:00:00Z" }