Astronomical events in March and April 2026: a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts

Spring 2026 promises to be an exciting time for astronomy and astrophotography enthusiasts in Quebec and across Canada. The astronomical events of March and April 2026 offer a series of opportunities to observe planetary conjunctions, lunar eclipses, meteor showers, and potential comet appearances. This guide presents each of the major astronomical phenomena, with precise reference points for locating them in the sky and tips for photographing them.

Astronomical events in March

Total lunar eclipse (Blood Moon): night of March 2 to 3

The first week of March begins with a rare spectacle: a total lunar eclipse visible across Canada. The Moon, plunged into Earth's shadow, will take on a deep reddish hue, a phenomenon often referred to as a “Blood Moon.” The eclipse will last several hours, with the total phase lasting about 70 minutes. In the southeastern sky, the Moon will be easily visible to the naked eye, but binoculars or a small telescope will allow you to follow the details of the darkening more closely. For photography, a small refractor with a CMOS camera or a 200 mm or longer telephoto lens can capture the progression of the eclipse and the subtle nuances of color, while a series of continuous photos can capture the entire phenomenon.

Spring equinox: March 20

In astronomy, this means something very special: the beginning of galaxy season. As the winter constellations slowly leave the evening sky, large fields of galaxies take their place.

This is the perfect time to enjoy the last moments of winter to observe or photograph the magnificent constellation of Orion.

Soon, it will disappear over the horizon to make way for the galactic treasures of spring.

March lunar conjunctions

Throughout the month, the Moon will approach several stars and planets, creating perfect scenes for astrophotography and celestial sightings.

Moon and Regulus: March 2, 2026

In early March, the Moon will pass very close to Regulus, the brightest star in Leo. This conjunction is particularly interesting for observers who want to follow the Moon's path across the night sky and for photographers who want to capture both the star and the Moon in the same frame. The event can be observed before dawn, when the sky is clear and unobstructed. To capture this scene, a wide-angle lens can be used to include the entire constellation of Leo, providing an elegant contrast between the silvery light of the Moon and the slightly yellowish glow of Regulus.

Moon and Spica: March 5–6, 2026

At the beginning of the month, the Moon will be framed by Spica, the main star of Virgo, on two consecutive nights. This proximity not only makes it easy to locate the constellation, but also offers an interesting contrast for photography: Spica's blue-white color stands out against the warmer hue of the Moon. For astrophotographers, incorporating both the star and the Moon into the same frame allows for balanced compositions, playing with light and color.

Venus and Saturn: March 8, 2026

On March 8, after sunset, Venus and Saturn will appear very close to each other in Pisces. The event is visible low on the western horizon, requiring a clear view to fully enjoy the scene. The twilight glare may make observation difficult, but it adds a dramatic visual aspect to photographs. A medium focal length lens and a stable tripod are sufficient to capture both planets in the same frame, while an adjusted exposure will correctly render the brightness of Venus without saturating Saturn.

Moon and Antares: March 10, 2026

A few days later, the Moon will approach Antares, the red star in the constellation Scorpio. This color contrast between the Moon and the red star is particularly striking to the naked eye and even more interesting to photograph. For astrophotography, using a telephoto lens or a small telescope allows you to capture the details of the lunar surface while incorporating Antares into the field of view, creating an image that is both scientific and aesthetic.

Mercury at high altitude: March 25, 2026

On March 25, Mercury will reach its highest position in the morning sky. Although it will remain relatively low, about eight degrees above the eastern horizon, this configuration offers a rare opportunity to spot the planet before sunrise. Binoculars are recommended for viewing, and photography requires a wide-angle lens with a sturdy tripod to include the horizon in the frame, allowing Mercury to be placed in its celestial context.

Moon and Jupiter: March 26-27, 2026

The end of March will be marked by the conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter. Observation is possible throughout the night, with the giant planet serving as an easy landmark in the night sky. For astrophotographers, using a telephoto lens allows you to capture the Moon and Jupiter in the same frame, showing the difference in size and color between the two celestial bodies. Adjusting the brightness is essential so that the Moon does not dominate Jupiter.

Moon and Regulus (2nd appearance): March 29, 2026

On March 29, 2026, the Moon will once again pass close to Regulus, the bright star in Leo, this time offering a visible conjunction in the evening, when the constellation will be well positioned in the sky. This close approach will allow observers to see the Moon's rapid movement along the ecliptic and compare this second encounter with that of March 2. To the naked eye, the contrast between the bluish-white glow of Regulus and the luminous surface of the Moon will be obvious, while in astrophotography, an intermediate focal length will allow both celestial bodies to be framed in the same field and highlight their difference in scale.

Astronomical event in April

Mercury at maximum elongation: April 3, 2026

In early April, Mercury will reach its greatest elongation west of the Sun, offering one of the best viewing opportunities for the planet in spring. The phenomenon can be observed just before sunrise, with Mercury appearing very low on the eastern horizon. Binoculars are strongly recommended to identify the planet in the morning glow. For photography, a wide-angle lens that includes the horizon allows Mercury to be captured alongside terrestrial elements, adding depth to the images.

Lunar conjunctions in April 2026

Moon and Antares: April 6, 2026

On April 6, 2026, the Moon will pass close to Antares, the red star marking the heart of the constellation Scorpio. The phenomenon will be visible at the end of the night, before dawn, as Scorpio begins to rise higher in the southeastern sky. Antares, a red giant located about 550 light-years away, is distinguished by its pronounced orange hue. The contrast with the whiter light of the Moon creates a visually rich scene, particularly interesting when the lunar phase reveals a well-defined terminator. In photography, an intermediate focal length allows both celestial bodies to be included in the same frame, while a carefully adjusted exposure prevents overexposure of the lunar surface.

Moon and Venus: April 18, 2026

On April 18, after dusk, the Moon will approach Venus in the evening sky. Venus, often called the “evening star,” will be the brightest star after the Moon, making it easy to spot even in suburban areas. The scene will unfold relatively low on the western horizon, adding an aesthetic dimension if you include an earthly element in the foreground. Visually, the thinness of the crescent moon combined with the intense brightness of Venus creates a striking contrast. In astrophotography, it is possible to play with the lunar halo and the planet's occasional brightness to achieve a balanced composition, adjusting the exposure to preserve the details of the crescent.

Moon and Jupiter: April 22, 2026

On April 22, the Moon will pass close to Jupiter, easily identifiable by its steady, sustained brightness. This configuration is an excellent reference point for locating the giant planet in the night sky. Depending on the time of observation, Jupiter will be high enough to offer a more stable image through a telescope, allowing you to observe its cloud bands and, with the right magnification, its main Galilean moons. For photography, a medium focal length allows you to frame the Moon and Jupiter together, while a telescope equipped with a planetary camera allows you to capture Jupiter separately with a higher level of detail. This conjunction highlights the difference in scale between a natural satellite and the largest planet in the Solar System.

Moon and Pleiades: April 19 and 24, 2026

On April 19 and 24, the Moon will cross the open cluster of the Pleiades (M45), located in the constellation Taurus. This cluster, composed of young blue stars visible to the naked eye under a dark sky, is one of the most famous star clusters in the northern sky. The Moon's passage near the Pleiades creates a visually striking scene, although the Moon's brightness may diminish the visibility of the fainter stars. To the naked eye, the effect remains aesthetic, especially if the moon is in its thin phase. In photography, a wide-angle lens or a short focal length allows you to capture the cluster and the Moon in the same field of view. It may be a good idea to take separate exposures to balance the Moon's brightness and reveal more stars in the cluster.

Lyrid meteor shower: April 16 to 25, 2026

The Lyrid meteor shower is active from April 16 to 25, with a peak expected around April 22. The Lyrids produce fast, bright meteors, often with small persistent trails. The best time for viewing is before dawn, when the radiant in the constellation Lyra is high enough. Photographers will need a stable tripod, a wide-angle lens, and long exposures to capture the bright trails, resulting in spectacular images of the phenomenon.

Potential comets visible in March and April 2026

Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS)

Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS), classified as a sungrazers due to its very close passage to the Sun, could become observable in late March and early April 2026 from Quebec and Canada. Its visibility will depend directly on its behavior during perihelion, as this type of comet can either fragment or develop spectacular activity. If it remains intact, it could reach a magnitude that allows observation with the naked eye under a dark sky, or at least with binoculars. For astrophotographers, this type of object offers high visual potential: an extended, possibly structured, luminous tail can be captured with a medium to long focal length and motorized tracking to compensate for the comet's apparent movement across the sky.

Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS)

Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) is expected to be active between mid- and late April 2026, with probable visibility in the Great Square of Pegasus region before dawn. Unlike a very bright comet, this one may require binoculars or a small telescope depending on its final magnitude. Observation will require a dark sky and a clear horizon. In photography, the use of long exposures combined with an equatorial mount will allow you to accurately track the comet's movement and avoid blurring, while revealing the diffuse structure of its coma and tail.

Messier Marathon: the great spring challenge 

Every year, around the new moon in March or early April, enthusiasts take up the Messier Marathon challenge. The goal is to observe all 110 objects in Charles Messier's catalog in a single night. Nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. The proximity of the spring equinox provides an ideal window to view these celestial treasures from dusk to dawn. A demanding but legendary challenge that marks the return of beautiful spring nights. 

Get your equipment ready to enjoy the skies in March and April 2026

The astronomical events of March and April 2026 offer observers and astrophotographers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the spring sky. Between lunar eclipses, planetary conjunctions, meteor showers, and potential comet appearances, the calendar of must-see astronomical events is packed, and every outing can be a memorable experience. 

To maximize observation and photography, it is recommended that you bring binoculars, a suitable telescope, a stable mount, and fast lenses. Visit our store specializing in astronomy and astrophotography to equip yourself with the most appropriate equipment to transform these celestial moments into unforgettable images and explore the sky with precision and comfort.