The Top Astronomical Events of 2024: A Yearly Guide

These 2024 events promises a calendar filled with fascinating celestial events. From meteor showers to solar eclipses, each month offers something unique to witness in the night sky. Here's your monthly guide to the most notable astronomical events of 2024.

January

• Jan 3: Earth’s Perihelion - Earth at its closest to the Sun.

• Jan 3/4: Quadrantids Meteor Shower - Up to 40 meteors per hour.

• Jan 11: New Moon - Ideal for observing faint sky objects.

• Jan 12: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West - Best viewed before sunrise.

• Jan 25: Wolf Moon - The first Full Moon of the year.

February

• Feb 9: Super New Moon - A great night for stargazing.

• Feb 24: Snow Micromoon - Full Moon known as the Snow Moon.

March

• Mar 10: Super New Moon - Perfect for observing galaxies and star clusters.

• Mar 20: March Equinox - Equal day and night duration.

• Mar 22: Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks - Potential visibility with the naked eye. offering a great 2024 event

• Mar 24: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East - Visible after sunset.

• Mar 24/25: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse - Visible across Americas.

• Mar 25: Worm Micromoon - full moon appearing smaller in the sky. Named after the earthworms that reappear at this time.

April

• Apr 1: Global Astronomy Month - A month-long celebration.

• Apr 8: Total Solar Eclipse - Visible in Mexico, USA, and Canada.

• Apr 8: Super New Moon - The final Super New Moon of 2024.

• Apr 21/22: Lyrid Meteor Shower - Produces about 20 meteors per hour.

• Apr 23: Pink Moon - Named after wild ground phlox.

Earth shine is when the dark part of the moon is illuminated by the light of the sun reflected off the Earth like in this photo

May

• May 4/5: Earthshine Mornings - Best time to see Earthshine on the Moon.

• May 5/6: Eta Aquarid Meteors - Up to 60 meteors per hour in the Southern Hemisphere.

• May 8: New Moon - A moonless night for sky observation.

• May 9: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West - View before sunrise.

• May 11/12: Earthshine Nights - Ideal for witnessing Earthshine.

• May 23: Flower Moon - Named after spring flowers.

June

• Jun 6: New Moon - Another opportunity for deep-sky observing.

• Jun 20: June Solstice - Longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.

• Jun 22: Strawberry Moon - Named for strawberry harvesting season.

July

• Jul 5: Earth’s Aphelion - Earth farthest from the Sun.

• Jul 5: New Moon - Perfect for stargazing.

• Jul 21: Buck Moon - Named for new antlers on deer bucks.

• Jul 22: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East - Visible after sunset.

August

• Aug 4: New Moon - Dark skies for observing.

• Aug 12/13: Perseid Meteors - One of the brightest meteor showers.

• Aug 14: Conjunction of Mars and Jupiter - A notable close approach.

• Aug 19: Blue Sturgeon Moon - The third Full Moon of the season.

• Aug 21: Lunar Occultation of Saturn - The Moon passes close to Saturn.

• Aug 28: Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS - Expected to be near perihelion.

September

• Sep 3: New Moon - Ideal for observing faint objects.

• Sep 5: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West - Best in the morning sky.

• Sep 8: Saturn at Opposition - Best views of Saturn.

• Sep 17/18: Partial Lunar Eclipse - Visible from many regions.

• Sep 18: Super Harvest Moon - The Full Moon closest to the September equinox.

• Sep 22: September Equinox - Start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere.

October

• Oct 2: Annular Solar Eclipse - 'Ring of fire' eclipse.

• Oct 2: Micro New Moon - Coincides with the solar eclipse.

• Oct 8/9: Draconid Meteor Shower - Best after nightfall.

• Oct 17: Super Hunter’s Moon - Second Super Full Moon of the year.
  

November

• Nov 1: New Moon, an excellent time for stargazing.

• Nov 15: Full Beaver Supermoon, signaling the time to set beaver traps.

• Nov 17/18: Leonids Meteor Shower, known for its spectacular show.

December

• Dec 1: New Moon, providing an opportunity to observe galaxies.

• Dec 15: Full Cold Moon, representing the start of winter.

• Dec 21: December Solstice, the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere.

• Dec 22/23: Ursids Meteor Shower, the last major meteor shower of the year.

Each event offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the night sky. 2024's celestial events are sure to inspire and amaze. book a program now at AstroTours.org/book to catch these events up close in a telescope and with a professional astronomer.

AstroTours' Unforgettable Expedition: Witnessing the Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse at Natural Bridges

AstroTours ventured to Natural Bridges National Park on October 14, 2023, to behold the captivating spectacle of the annular solar eclipse. With telescopes in tow and surrounded by a community of photographers and sky enthusiasts, we eagerly awaited the momentous event. Setting up our cameras alongside fellow stargazers, we were fortunate to witness the celestial ballet as the moon gracefully enveloped the sun, creating the mesmerizing "ring of fire" phenomenon.

Camping within the park, we were treated not only to the breathtaking eclipse but also to the sheer beauty of the night sky. Under the pristine, unpolluted darkness, stars twinkled vividly, painting an enchanting canvas that left an indelible mark on our celestial explorations.

Throughout our journey across Utah, Colorado, and the Four Corners region, we marveled at the numerous natural wonders and the region's remarkable dark skies. Each vista unveiled an unparalleled tapestry of natural beauty, reinforcing the allure of the cosmic universe above us.

As passionate astronomers, we're thrilled and eagerly counting down to the next celestial marvel—a total eclipse set to grace Arkansas and Texas on April 8th, 2024. The anticipation of experiencing this astronomical wonder is palpable, and we extend an enthusiastic invitation to all fellow astronomy enthusiasts and curious souls to join us in witnessing this celestial spectacle.

We are incredibly excited about the upcoming total eclipse and look forward to sharing this momentous occasion with everyone. Let's come together to celebrate the wonders of the universe and marvel at the cosmic ballet in the skies above Arkansas and Texas. Join us for an unforgettable cosmic rendezvous!

Stay tuned for updates, tips, and exclusive insights as we prepare for this momentous event. Let's make memories under the cosmic grandeur of the next total eclipse!

Here's to chasing eclipses and exploring the beauty of our universe together! 🌌🔭✨

Witness the Celestial Show: The 2023 Leonid Meteor Shower

The Leonid meteor shower is set to dazzle the skies this week, reaching its peak in the early hours of Saturday, November 18.

A Glimpse into the Leonid Meteor Shower

This celestial spectacle, derived from debris shed by the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, will grace both Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The peak viewing times for this year's shower are predicted to be on November 17 and 18, promising a remarkable experience for stargazers around the world.

When and Where to Watch

Peak Timing:

• The 2023 Leonid Meteor Shower is expected to peak on November 18, 2023, at 5:33 UTC.

• Additionally, consider observing the night sky late on November 17 until dawn on November 18 for potential meteor sightings.

Visibility:

• With a waxing crescent moon in the evenings, the sky will be sufficiently dark, enhancing the visibility of the meteor shower. NASA suggests that eyes adjust to spot meteors in the night sky in under half an hour.

Ideal Conditions:

• Residents in much of the Midwest and parts of the Southeastern United States can anticipate clearer skies between 1 and 4 a.m. on Saturday. However, West and East coast residents may experience reduced visibility due to expected rain and cloud cover.

Recommendations for Observation:

• To maximize your viewing experience, find a location away from street lamps and artificial light.

• Lie down with your feet pointed eastward to catch the meteor shower, continuing until sunrise.

Meteor Count:

• While the Leonids are expected to produce around 15 meteors per hour, they are known for their brightness and occasional vibrant colors.

2023 Leonid Meteor Shower Historical Insights and Future Prospects

The Leonid meteor shower originates from the periodic Comet Tempel-Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 33 years. Although this year's display is categorized as a "major shower" by NASA, larger Leonid storms occur approximately every 33 years, with the last remarkable storm taking place in 1966.

Wrap-Up: Don't Miss the Celestial Extravaganza

Prepare to witness a celestial dance as the Leonid meteor shower graces our skies. Set your alarms and make the most of this dazzling astronomical event. Remember, Earth's journey through this debris field promises a breathtaking sight, so don't miss this opportunity to marvel at nature's grandeur!

Discover the wonders of the universe as the Leonids streak across the night sky. It's a sight not to be missed!

[Source: Deborah Byrd, EarthSky, Planetary Society, NASA]