February 2026: Planets, Eclipses & CIENTEC Events in Costa Rica

February 2026 promises a wealth of astronomical and cultural events, from visible planets to coinciding cultural and religious celebrations, and even an eclipse. Fundación CIENTEC is developing information and activities to help people enjoy these events, including a Star Party at the UPAZ in El Rodeo on February 27th, a tour to Palo Verde from February 21st to 23rd, and an exhibit, “Paisajes estelares de Costa Rica,” at the Museo de los Niños, open until February 22nd.

Upcoming Events

CIENTEC has secured a location for the next FIMAT CONCITES 2026 congress at the Escuela y Colegio Científico Interamericano IHS CATIE in Turrialba. The XV Festival Internacional de Matemática and XXVIII Congreso Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología y Sociedad will be held on September 25th and 26th, 2026.

Did You Know? The Museo de los Niños exhibit, “Paisajes estelares de Costa Rica,” is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with free admission.

Star Party and Palo Verde Tour

CIENTEC, in collaboration with the Universidad para la Paz (UPAZ), is hosting a Star Party on February 27th at the UPAZ campus in El Rodeo, near Ciudad Colón. This event, with limited space, will offer a chance to view six planets. A tour to Palo Verde is also planned for February 21st to 23rd, offering a unique opportunity to observe stars and birds.

FIMAT CONCITES 2026

The FIMAT CONCITES congress will be held at the Escuela y Colegio Científico Interamericano IHS CATIE in Turrialba. This event marks the XV edition of the Festival Internacional de Matemática and the XXVIII edition of the Congreso Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología y Sociedad. A declaration of educational interest is currently being sought for the event.

Expert Insight: The coordinated efforts of CIENTEC and partner organizations like UPAZ demonstrate a commitment to public science education and accessible astronomical observation opportunities. These events aim to foster engagement with science and nature within the Costa Rican community.

Lunar Eclipse

The first eclipse of 2026 will be a lunar eclipse occurring in the early morning hours of March 3rd, with a second partial lunar eclipse expected on the night of August 28th. Costa Rica is favorably positioned to view both eclipses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What events are planned for February 2026?

February 2026 will feature visible planets, cultural and religious celebrations, an eclipse, and events organized by CIENTEC, including a Star Party and a tour to Palo Verde.

Where will the FIMAT CONCITES 2026 congress be held?

The FIMAT CONCITES 2026 congress will be held at the Escuela y Colegio Científico Interamericano IHS CATIE in Turrialba, Costa Rica.

When will the lunar eclipses occur in 2026?

The first lunar eclipse will occur on March 3rd, and the second will occur on August 28th.

With so many celestial events on the horizon, how will you plan to experience the wonders of the night sky this February?