"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."
"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."
Astronomy-focused tourism is rapidly growing, and 2026 offers multiple celestial events that can turn trips into once-in-a-lifetime experiences. NASA plans the crewed Artemis II lunar flyby launch around February 5, 2026, from Florida's Kennedy Space Center. Launch viewing centers along Florida's Space Coast include beaches, causeways, and waterfront parks, and visitors are advised to build extra days due to frequent schedule shifts and possible last-second aborts. An annular solar eclipse on February 17, 2026, will be viewable only from Antarctica and will produce a "ring of fire" as the moon does not fully cover the sun. The path of annularity cuts across the southernmost continent.
Read at CN Traveller
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