The 2026 NASA Science Calendar documents a universe in motion through a curated gallery of high-fidelity data visualizations. Each month features a specific mission breakthrough—from the James Webb telescope's look at the "Cosmic Tornado" in January to Curiosity’s climate studies on Mars in February.
By synthesizing datasets from various satellite constellations, the calendar illustrates complex phenomena like stellar formation and atmospheric changes. These images translate the science of the unseen light frequencies and data invisible to the naked eye into an accessible narrative of how our understanding of space and Earth is rapidly evolving.
A few key highlights from the 2026 Calendar:
- January: Unmasking the true nature of a "Cosmic Tornado" (studying star-forming outflow).
- February: Rocks in Gale Crater provide clues to the history of the Martian climate.
- April: Satellite data tracking "Cloud Rays" over the Peruvian coast to study Earth's weather and energy budget.
- August: Satellite data captures swirling blue-green algae in Nevada’s Pyramid Lake to target water quality testing for fisheries and study the planet’s carbon cycle.
- September: During a total solar eclipse, the Moon acts as a natural coronagraph, blocking the Sun’s glare to reveal its hidden innermost corona.
Discover the fascinating science behind the museum-quality images featured in this year's calendar.
Science and space enthusiasts, as well as STEM educators, will appreciate this calendar. It is also an ideal visual for any child’s room, as well as grade and middle school classrooms.
