Our Mission for 2026

The Year Ahead

Following a successful 2025, we will expand our celestial horizons in 2026 by moving beyond the Solar System to observe and photograph deep-sky objects (DSOs).

Are you up for the challenge?

Using the new Seestar S50, our main aim in 2026 will be to capture high-quality images of as many star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae as we can. Along the way, we'll sharpen our astrophotography skills, learn how to use the image-processing software, and expand our knowledge of the DSOs we observe.

With plenty of time available, we aim to make steady progress throughout the year, focusing on learning, improvement, and enjoyment rather than rushing results.

Things We Want To See

We have big plans – there's a lot to see and do in 2026. We'll tick them off as we go.

Success will require dedication and perseverance, and the rewards will be worth it. Do you have what it takes?

Major Events in 2026

• Planetary Parade (Feb-Mar 2026) ✅
• Major Partial Solar Eclipse (12 Aug 2026)
• Partial Lunar Eclipse (28 Aug 2026 - 3 A.M.)

Lunar Observations

• Moon–Planet conjunctions ✅
• Moon Occultations (e.g. Pleiades on 27 Jan, 27/28 Oct & 21 Dec) ✅
• Clair-Obscur Effects
• Explore major craters in greater detail
• Locate the Apollo 11 landing site
• Moon close to Mars (05 Oct 2026 - 6 A.M.)
• Biggest and brightest "Supermoon" since 2018 (24 Dec)

Solar System Observations

• Comets (e.g. C/2024 E1)
• Planet Conjunctions (e.g. Jupiter and Venus on 09 Jun) ✅
• View the Sun safely and observe the solar eclipse (12 Aug)
• Track the movement of sunspots over a few days
• See every planet (again!)
• Uranus (we're aiming to see some colour)
• Neptune (let's practice locating it)
• An Asteroid (Juno in Jul, Pallas and Vesta in Oct, or Ceres in Dec)
• Pluto (very difficult) (Sep-Nov)

Beyond Our Solar System

• Nebulae in better detail (e.g. Ring Nebula) ✅
• Star clusters (open clusters and globular clusters)
• Galaxies (e.g. M81 & M82) ✅
• Double stars (e.g. Albireo – the most beautiful double!)
• Variable stars (e.g. Algol in Perseus)
• Northern Circumpolar Constellations (in detail)

Things We Want To Do

Astrophotography

Our major project for 2026 will be to use the Seestar S50 to photograph galaxies and nebulae. We'll dedicate most of our time to this project.

• Research new techniques and how to improve our results
• Seestar: Build up a gallery of images starting with Orion targets in Jan-Feb ✅
• Learn how to process images using the specialised software (e.g. Siril)
• Capture photos of major astronomical events throughout the year ✅
• Upgrade our camera equipment if required
• Photograph the Sun ✅
• Get some of our Seestar photos featured in online news articles

TRAC Research

• Set up and use the refractor and reflector scopes
• Learn how to use EQ mounts
• How to use the Nikon D80 camera for AP ✅
• Nebulae: comparing different types
• Galaxies: structures and how they form ✅
• Star clusters: different types, how they form etc

Other Projects

• Work out how to connect the telescope to a computer
• Use a remote telescope for remote imaging
• Continue to share our knowledge with family, friends, and neighbours ✅
• Host a public event (e.g. NASA Observe the Moon Night on 19 Sep 2026)
• Make a pinhole projector for viewing the Sun safely
• Recruit new astronomy club members