Moon and Sun Take Center Stage in 2026’s Lineup of Cosmic Events

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The moon and the sun will headline a busy calendar of celestial events in 2026, from major eclipses to lunar missions and eye-catching supermoons.

The year begins with renewed focus on the moon as NASA prepares to send astronauts past it for the first time in more than 50 years under its Artemis program. Alongside human missions, a wave of robotic landers is planned, including Blue Origin’s oversized Blue Moon prototype, as well as landers from U.S. and Chinese companies targeting scientifically rich regions of the lunar surface.

Solar activity will also draw attention, highlighted by two major eclipses. A rare “ring-of-fire” annular solar eclipse will occur over Antarctica in February, followed by a total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 that will sweep across parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and Spain. Several lunar eclipses are also scheduled throughout the year.

Skywatchers can expect planetary spectacles as well. Six planets will line up in late February, with most visible to the naked eye, while Mars joins a similar parade in August. Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and Mercury will be the easiest to spot shortly after sunset, weather permitting.

Three supermoons will brighten the night skies in 2026, including a particularly close and bright one on Christmas Eve. These full moons appear larger than usual as the moon reaches the closest point in its orbit around Earth.

Meanwhile, scientists expect continued bursts of solar activity, increasing the chances of vivid auroras in lower latitudes, though activity should gradually ease as the sun moves into the quieter phase of its 11-year cycle. For astronomers and casual stargazers alike, 2026 promises no shortage of cosmic drama.

Scientists Capture First 3D Images of the Interior of Mexico’s Popocatépetl Volcano

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Scientists from National Autonomous University of Mexico have produced the first three-dimensional images of the interior of Popocatépetl, one of the world’s most active volcanoes and a major threat to nearby population centres.

After five years of fieldwork and data collection, researchers used seismic sensors and artificial intelligence to map the volcano’s internal structure down to about 18 kilometres below the crater. The images reveal multiple magma reservoirs at different depths rather than a single magma chamber, offering new insight into how eruptions may develop.

The project leader, volcanologist Marco Calò, said the findings help explain where magma accumulates and why seismic activity is stronger in certain areas, particularly on the southeast side of the volcano. Around 25 million people live within 100 kilometres of Popocatépetl, making accurate monitoring critical for risk management.

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The team expanded the existing seismic network around the volcano and analysed ground vibrations using AI-based algorithms adapted for Popocatépetl’s unique behaviour. This approach allowed researchers to distinguish different types of tremors and infer temperature, depth and material composition underground.

Scientists say the 3D model will improve eruption forecasting and help authorities respond more effectively during periods of heightened activity. The research is set to be published soon and is expected to serve as a baseline for tracking future changes inside the volcano.

Starlink to Lower Satellite Orbits in 2026 to Improve Space Safety

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Starlink plans to begin reconfiguring its satellite constellation in 2026 by lowering all spacecraft currently orbiting at around 550 kilometres to approximately 480 kilometres, according to Michael Nicolls, vice president of Starlink engineering at SpaceX.

Nicolls said the move is aimed at enhancing space safety by operating satellites at lower altitudes, where the overall congestion of objects is significantly reduced. In a post on X, he said that condensing Starlink’s orbits would lower the aggregate risk of collisions, as there are fewer debris objects and planned satellite constellations below the 500-kilometre threshold.

The announcement follows an incident disclosed by Starlink in December, when one of its satellites experienced an anomaly in orbit. The spacecraft, operating at an altitude of about 418 kilometres, lost communications and generated a small amount of debris after what appeared to be an onboard explosion. The satellite rapidly dropped around four kilometres in altitude, marking a rare kinetic accident for the satellite internet provider.

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Starlink said the incident involved just one satellite out of nearly 10,000 currently in orbit as part of its global broadband network. While the amount of debris was described as limited, the event highlighted growing concerns over orbital safety as low Earth orbit becomes increasingly crowded.

The number of spacecraft circling Earth has surged in recent years as companies and governments race to deploy large satellite constellations for broadband internet, communications and Earth observation services. Once primarily known for its rocket launch business, SpaceX has become the world’s largest satellite operator through Starlink, delivering internet connectivity to consumers, governments and enterprise customers worldwide.

By lowering its satellites’ operating altitude, Starlink aims to reduce long-term debris risks and ensure that any non-functioning spacecraft naturally deorbit more quickly, contributing to safer and more sustainable use of Earth’s orbital environment.