Like the moon’s shadow sweeping across the globe during a total solar eclipse, astronomy-focused tourism is taking the world by storm. And in 2026, there are plenty of celestial reasons to travel. You’ve likely already heard of the August 2026 total solar eclipse, which is undoubtedly the year’s marquee event, but you can also travel for everything from rocket launches to meteor showers. These are the astronomy events that can turn trips into once-in-a-lifetime experiences—and where to go to see them at their best.
Artemis II Launch: ~February 5, 2026
Okay, this one isn’t quite an astronomy event, but fans of the night sky might want to check it out nonetheless. NASA plans to take one step closer to returning to the moon in 2026 with the launch of Artemis II, the first crewed launch of the Artemis program, which will take astronauts on a lunar flyby. It’s scheduled to take place at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center as soon as February 5, although that date is subject to change.
Where to travel: Florida’s Space Coast, near the Kennedy Space Center, where the launch becomes a communal event shared on beaches, causeways, and waterfront parks. (Named one of our best places to go in the US in 2025.)
Hot tip: Build in extra days. Launch schedules shift frequently due to weather or technical concerns—and they can be aborted down to the last second. But the Space Coast rewards those who are patient for launches with bioluminescent kayaking, wildlife refuges, and old-school Florida beach towns.
Annular Solar Eclipse: February 17, 2026
This is an eclipse for the intrepid, as it will only be viewable from Antarctica. Like a total solar eclipse, an annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun—but in this case, it doesn’t fully cover it. The result is a “ring of fire” around the black sphere of the moon.
Where to travel: Antarctica. The path of annularity cuts across the southernmost continent, making this eclipse accessible primarily via expedition cruise. The downside: most ships travel to the Antarctica Peninsula, from which only a partial solar eclipse is visible. You can also catch a partial eclipse in parts of southern Africa.
Hot tip: If you want to experience the full annular solar eclipse rather than just a partial one, you’ll likely have to charter your own vessel to sail to East Antarctica—and that is by no means a budget-friendly option.
Total Lunar Eclipse: March 3, 2026
In a total lunar eclipse, the Earth moves between the sun and the moon, its shadow crossing the moon’s surface and turning it coppery red. It’ll be fairly easy to see—lunar eclipses are visible anywhere from the night side of the Earth during the event, so long as there are clear skies. While you might not need to travel far for this total lunar eclipse, astrophotographers might want to position themselves somewhere especially scenic to get the perfect shot.
