Stargazers, prep your telescopes: the heavens are rolling out a jam-packed calendar of astronomical events from the end of 2025 through the start of 2026. Whether you’re a casual observer or a dedicated night-sky watcher, you’ll have a lot to look up for — quite literally.
Supermoon Closes Out 2025
The main event for December is a dazzling supermoon slated for December 24. This will be the last and biggest full moon of the year, occurring when the Moon is closest to Earth in its orbit and appearing impressively bright in the night sky. If you’re planning a festive late-night walk on Christmas Eve, don’t forget to glance upwards.
Before that, on November 28 at precisely 6:59 UTC (12:59 a.m. CST), the first quarter moon puts on a subtle show of its own. Astronomers say you can sometimes spot special “X” and “V” patterns on the lunar surface during first quarter, visible high in the sky around sundown and setting near midnight.
December 2025 doesn’t stop with moon magic—a close conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter happens on December 7. The two celestial neighbors will appear especially close together; a nice treat for backyard astronomers.
Planets Steal the Spotlight in Early 2026
The planetary drama doesn’t end with December. Jupiter, visible through the dawn for the rest of the year, becomes unmissable on January 10, 2026, when it reaches opposition. This is when Earth moves directly between Jupiter and the Sun, making the gas giant the brightest object in the night sky (besides the Moon). Planet fans should mark the date for potentially unrivaled viewing conditions.
Saturn continues its reign in the evening sky in December, shining at a magnitude of 1.1 among the stars of Aquarius. It’s hanging in the west after sunset and remains the second brightest object in that region, aside from our Moon. Saturn will eventually fade from view by February 2026.
To add even more excitement, skygazers can look forward to a visually stunning pairing as Jupiter and Venus form a tight conjunction in the evening sky in this stretch, while a total solar eclipse is set to become the defining daylight event of 2026, briefly turning day to night along a narrow path somewhere on Earth.
All in all, the upcoming months promise a parade of lunar phases, planetary close encounters, and rare celestial phenomena to end 2025 on a high note — and kick off 2026 in cosmic style.
