Welcome to the celestial wonders of 2024! This astronomical calendar promises a year of breathtaking night sky spectacles, many visible with the naked eye. From meteor showers to planetary alignments, embark on a cosmic journey and marvel at the celestial splendor awaiting you. Wishing you a stargazing-filled and memorable 2024! 🌌✨
January
January 3-4: Quadrantids Meteor Shower
The Quadrantids, an above-average meteor shower, will reach its peak with a potential of up to 40 meteors per hour. This celestial event is believed to be caused by remnants of dust left behind by an extinct comet named 2003 EH1, discovered in 2003. The shower occurs annually from January 1 to 5, peaking this year on the night of the 3rd and the morning of the 4th. Although the waning gibbous moon may obscure some of the fainter meteors, patient observers can still enjoy a captivating show. The optimal viewing conditions are in a dark location after midnight, with meteors radiating from the Bootes constellation but visible anywhere in the sky.
January 11: New Moon
The Moon will be positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, rendering it invisible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 11:59 UTC and provides an excellent opportunity for observing faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters without the interference of moonlight.
January 12: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
Mercury will reach its greatest western elongation, appearing 23.5 degrees from the Sun. This marks the best time to observe Mercury, as it will be at its highest point in the morning sky just before sunrise, particularly low in the eastern sky.
January 25: Full Moon
The Moon will be on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun, fully illuminated at 17:55 UTC. Known by early Native American tribes as the Wolf Moon, this full moon signifies the time when hungry wolf packs howled outside their camps. Other names include the Old Moon and the Moon After Yule.
February
February 9 – New Moon
On February 9, there will be a New Moon, with the Moon positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, rendering it invisible in the night sky. This phase will occur at 23:00 UTC, presenting the optimal opportunity during the month to observe faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters due to the absence of moonlight interference.
February 24: Full Moon
Come February 24, a Full Moon will grace the sky. Positioned on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, its entire face will be brilliantly illuminated, marking the peak of this phase at 12:32 UTC. Early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the Snow Moon, as it coincided with the heaviest snowfall of the year. Additionally, some tribes named it the Hunger Moon due to the challenging hunting conditions caused by harsh weather, making sustenance difficult to procure.
March
March 10: New Moon
On March 10, a New Moon will occur, with the Moon positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, rendering it invisible in the night sky. This phase will take place at 09:02 UTC, providing an ideal opportunity during the month to observe faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters due to the absence of moonlight interference.
March 20: Equinox
March 20 marks the March Equinox at 03:01 UTC, where the Sun will shine directly on the equator, resulting in nearly equal amounts of day and night worldwide. It also signifies the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of fall (autumnal equinox) in the Southern Hemisphere.
March 24: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
On March 24, Mercury will reach its Greatest Eastern Elongation, extending 18.7 degrees from the Sun. This presents the best chance to view Mercury, as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.
March 25: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse + Full Moon
March 25 brings a Full Moon, with the Moon located on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, fully illuminated at 07:02 UTC. Early Native American tribes named this full moon the Worm Moon, signifying the time when the ground softens, and earthworms reappear. It is also known as the Crow Moon, the Crust Moon, the Sap Moon, and the Lenten Moon.
Additionally, on March 25, a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse will occur. This eclipse takes place when the Moon passes through the Earth’s partial shadow or penumbra, causing a slight darkening of the Moon without complete obscurity. The eclipse will be visible throughout North America, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
April
April 8: New Moon
On April 8, a New Moon will occur, with the Moon positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and thus not visible in the night sky. This phase will take place at 18:22 UTC, offering the best opportunity during the month to observe faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters due to the absence of moonlight interference.
April 8: Total Solar Eclipse
April 8 will feature a Total Solar Eclipse, a rare event where the Moon completely blocks the Sun, revealing the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona. This is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence for viewers in the United States, with the last visible total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. happening in 2017, and the next one not expected until 2045. The path of totality will traverse the Pacific Ocean, parts of Mexico, the eastern United States, and Nova Scotia. States such as Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine will experience the total eclipse. (For detailed information, refer to NASA’s map and interactive Google map.)
April 22-23: Lyrids Meteor Shower
On April 22 and 23, the Lyrids Meteor Shower will be active. This average shower typically produces about 20 meteors per hour at its peak and is associated with dust particles from comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. Despite the expected glare from the full moon, patient observers in dark locations after midnight may still catch a few bright meteors. The meteors will radiate from the constellation Lyra but can be visible anywhere in the sky.
April 23 will bring a Full Moon, with the Moon located on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, fully illuminated at 23:50 UTC. Early Native American tribes named this full moon the Pink Moon, signifying the appearance of the moss pink or wild ground phlox, one of the first spring flowers. It is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Growing Moon, and the Egg Moon. Coastal tribes referred to it as the Fish Moon, as it coincides with the time when shad swim upstream to spawn.
May
May 6-7: Eta Aquarids
On May 6 and 7, the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower will grace the night sky. This above-average shower is capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak, with most activity observed in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour. Produced by dust particles left behind by comet Halley, a celestial phenomenon known since ancient times, the shower runs annually from April 19 to May 28. This year, it peaks on the night of May 6 and the morning of May 7, coinciding with a nearly new moon and promising dark skies for an excellent celestial display. The best viewing conditions will be from a dark location after midnight, with meteors radiating from the constellation Aquarius but potentially appearing anywhere in the sky.
May 8: New Moon
On May 8, a New Moon will occur, with the Moon positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and therefore not visible in the night sky. This phase takes place at 03:23 UTC, providing the optimal time of the month to observe faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters due to the absence of moonlight interference.
May 9: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
May 9 marks Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation, as the planet reaches a distance of 26.4 degrees from the Sun. This presents the best opportunity to view Mercury, as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
May 23: Full Moon
On May 23, a Full Moon will illuminate the night, with the Moon located on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun and fully illuminated at 13:55 UTC. Early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the Flower Moon, symbolizing the time when spring flowers abound. It is also known as the Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon.
June
June 6: New Moon
On June 6, a New Moon will occur, with the Moon positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and thus not visible in the night sky. This phase takes place at 12:39 UTC, offering the optimal time during the month to observe faint celestial objects such as galaxies and star clusters due to the absence of moonlight interference.
June 20: Solstice
June 20 marks the June Solstice at 20:46 UTC. During this event, the North Pole of the Earth will be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its northernmost position in the sky, directly over the Tropic of Cancer at 23.44 degrees north latitude. This marks the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the Southern Hemisphere.
June 22: Full Moon
On June 22, a Full Moon will illuminate the night sky, with the Moon located on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun and fully illuminated at 01:09 UTC. Early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the Strawberry Moon, as it signaled the time to gather ripening fruit and coincided with the peak of the strawberry harvesting season. It is also known as the Rose Moon and the Honey Moon.
July
July 5: New Moon
On July 5, a New Moon will occur, with the Moon positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, rendering it invisible in the night sky. This phase takes place at 22:59 UTC, providing the prime opportunity during the month to observe faint celestial objects such as galaxies and star clusters due to the absence of moonlight interference.
July 21: Full Moon
July 21 brings a Full Moon, with the Moon located on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun and fully illuminated at 10:18 UTC. Early Native American tribes named this full moon the Buck Moon, as it coincided with the time when male buck deer would begin growing their new antlers. It is also known as the Thunder Moon and the Hay Moon.
July 22: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
On July 22, Mercury will reach its Greatest Eastern Elongation, extending 26.9 degrees from the Sun. This marks the best time to view Mercury, as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.
July 28-29: Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
July 28 and 29 will showcase the Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower, an average shower capable of producing up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is generated by debris left behind by comets Marsden and Kracht and runs annually from July 12 to August 23. Peaking this year on the night of July 28 and the morning of July 29, the second quarter moon may obstruct some fainter meteors. However, patience may still reward observers with a few impressive ones. The best viewing conditions will be from a dark location after midnight, with meteors radiating from the constellation Aquarius but potentially appearing anywhere in the sky.
August
August 4: New Moon
On August 4, a New Moon will occur, with the Moon positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, making it invisible in the night sky. This phase takes place at 11:15 UTC, providing the optimal time during the month to observe faint celestial objects such as galaxies and star clusters due to the absence of moonlight interference.
August 12-13: Perseids Meteor Shower
August 12 and 13 will feature the Perseids Meteor Shower, one of the most notable meteor showers, capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. It is generated by comet Swift-Tuttle, discovered in 1862, and is renowned for its abundance of bright meteors. Running annually from July 17 to August 24, the Perseids will peak this year on the night of August 11 and the morning of August 12. While the first quarter moon may obscure some fainter meteors in the early evening, the Moon will set shortly after midnight, creating dark skies for a potentially excellent early morning show. The best viewing conditions will be from a dark location after midnight, with meteors radiating from the constellation Perseus but potentially appearing anywhere in the sky.
August 19: Full Blue Moon
On August 19, a Full Moon, also known as a Blue Moon, will grace the night sky. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, fully illuminated at 18:27 UTC. Early Native American tribes called this full moon the Sturgeon Moon, as it coincided with the time when large sturgeon fish in the Great Lakes and other major lakes were more easily caught. It is also known as the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon. Since this is the third of four full moons in the season, it is referred to as a blue moon, a rare event that occurs once every few years. Typically, each season has only three full moons, but occasionally, a season may contain four full moons, and the extra one is termed a blue moon, happening on average once every 2.7 years.
September
September 3: New Moon
On September 3, a New Moon will occur, with the Moon positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, rendering it invisible in the night sky. This phase takes place at 01:57 UTC, offering the optimal time during the month to observe faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters due to the absence of moonlight interference.
September 5: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
September 5 marks Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation, as the planet reaches a distance of 18.1 degrees from the Sun. This is the prime time to view Mercury, as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
September 8: Saturn at opposition
On September 8, Saturn will be at Opposition, meaning it will be at its closest approach to Earth, fully illuminated by the Sun, and brighter than any other time of the year. It will be visible throughout the night. This presents the ideal opportunity to view and photograph Saturn and its moons. A medium-sized or larger telescope will allow observers to see Saturn’s rings and some of its brightest moons.
September 18: Partial Lunar Eclipse + Full Supermoon
September 18 brings a Full Moon, which is also a Supermoon, with the Moon located on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, fully illuminated at 02:36 UTC. Early Native American tribes named this full moon the Corn Moon, as it aligns with the harvest of corn around this time. It is also known as the Harvest Moon, being the full moon closest to the September equinox each year. This marks the first of three supermoons for 2024, with the Moon near its closest approach to Earth, appearing slightly larger and brighter than usual.
On the same day, September 18, a Partial Lunar Eclipse will occur. This type of eclipse happens when the Moon passes through the Earth’s partial shadow or penumbra, and only a portion of it moves through the darkest shadow or umbra. The eclipse will be visible across most of North America, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Atlantic Ocean, and a significant portion of Europe and Africa.
September 20: Neptune at Opposition
September 20 brings Neptune at Opposition, with the blue giant planet at its closest approach to Earth, fully illuminated by the Sun, and visible throughout the night. It will be brighter than any other time of the year. While it will appear as a tiny blue dot due to its extreme distance from Earth, this is the optimal time to view and photograph Neptune.
October
October 2: New Moon
On October 2, a New Moon will occur, with the Moon positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, making it invisible in the night sky. This phase takes place at 18:51 UTC, providing an excellent opportunity during the month to observe faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters due to the absence of moonlight interference.
October 2: Annular Solar Eclipse
On the same day, October 2, an Annular Solar Eclipse will take place. This type of eclipse occurs when the Moon is too far away from the Earth to completely cover the Sun, resulting in a ring of light around the darkened Moon. The eclipse path will commence in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of South America and traverse parts of southern Chile and Argentina. A partial eclipse will be visible throughout most of southern South America. (Refer to NASA’s map and eclipse information for details.)
October 7: Draconids Meteor Shower
October 7 will showcase the Draconids Meteor Shower, a minor shower producing approximately 10 meteors per hour. It is generated by dust grains left behind by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner, discovered in 1900. Unusual for meteor showers, the best viewing for the Draconids is in the early evening instead of the early morning. The shower runs annually from October 6 to 10, peaking this year on the night of the 7th. The second quarter moon will ensure dark skies in the early evening, potentially providing a good show. Patience may yield a few impressive meteors. The best viewing conditions will be in the early evening from a dark location far from city lights, with meteors radiating from the constellation Draco but potentially appearing anywhere in the sky.
October 17: Full Supermoon
October 17 brings a Full Moon, which is also a Supermoon, with the Moon located on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, fully illuminated at 11:28 UTC. Early Native American tribes named this full moon the Hunters Moon, signifying the time when leaves fall, and game is fat and ready to hunt. It is also known as the Travel Moon and the Blood Moon. This marks the second of three supermoons for 2024, with the Moon near its closest approach to the Earth, appearing slightly larger and brighter than usual.
October 21-22 Orionids Meteor Shower
On October 21 and 22, the Orionids Meteor Shower will be active, an average shower producing up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is generated by dust grains left behind by comet Halley, observed since ancient times. Running annually from October 2 to November 7, the shower will peak this year on the night of October 21 and the morning of October 22. The waning gibbous moon may obstruct most of the fainter meteors this year, but with patience, observers may still catch a few impressive ones. The best viewing conditions will be from a dark location after midnight, with meteors radiating from the constellation Orion but potentially appearing anywhere in the sky.
November
November 1: New Moon
On November 1, a New Moon will occur, with the Moon positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, rendering it invisible in the night sky. This phase takes place at 12:49 UTC, presenting the optimal time during the month to observe faint celestial objects such as galaxies and star clusters due to the absence of moonlight interference.
November 4-5: Taurids Meteor Shower
November 4 and 5 will feature the Taurids Meteor Shower, a long-running minor shower producing approximately 5-10 meteors per hour. What makes it unusual is that it comprises two separate streams. The first stream is generated by dust grains left behind by Asteroid 2004 TG10, while the second stream is produced by debris from Comet 2P Encke. Running annually from September 7 to December 10, the shower will peak this year on the night of November 4. The first quarter moon will likely obscure all but the brightest meteors, but patient observers may still catch a few impressive ones. The best viewing conditions will be just after midnight from a dark location far from city lights, with meteors radiating from the constellation Taurus but potentially appearing anywhere in the sky.
November 15: Full Supermoon
November 15 brings a Full Moon, which is also a Supermoon, with the Moon located on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, fully illuminated at 21:30 UTC. Early Native American tribes called this full moon the Beaver Moon, marking the time to set beaver traps before swamps and rivers froze. It is also known as the Frosty Moon and the Dark Moon. This marks the last of three supermoons for 2024, with the Moon near its closest approach to Earth, appearing slightly larger and brighter than usual.
November 16: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
On November 16, Mercury will be at Greatest Eastern Elongation, reaching a distance of 22.5 degrees from the Sun. This is the prime time to view Mercury, as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.
November 17: Uranus at Opposition
November 17 sees Uranus at Opposition, with the blue-green planet at its closest approach to Earth, fully illuminated by the Sun, and brighter than any other time of the year. It will be visible throughout the night, and this is the optimal time to view Uranus. Due to its distance, it will appear as a tiny blue-green dot except in the most powerful telescopes.
November 17-18: Leonids Meteor Shower
November 17 and 18 will showcase the Leonids Meteor Shower, an average shower producing up to 15 meteors per hour at its peak. The Leonids have a unique feature, with a cyclonic peak occurring about every 33 years, where hundreds of meteors per hour can be observed. The last of these peaks occurred in 2001. Generated by dust grains left behind by comet Tempel-Tuttle, discovered in 1865, the shower runs annually from November 6 to 30, peaking this year on the night of the 17th and the morning of the 18th. Unfortunately, the nearly full moon will likely obstruct all but the brightest meteors. However, with patience, observers may still catch a few impressive ones. The best viewing conditions will be from a dark location after midnight, with meteors radiating from the constellation Leo but potentially appearing anywhere in the sky.
December
December 1: New Moon
On December 1, a New Moon will occur, with the Moon positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, rendering it invisible in the night sky. This phase takes place at 06:22 UTC, offering the optimal time during the month to observe faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters due to the absence of moonlight interference.
December 7: Jupiter at Opposition
December 7 marks Jupiter at Opposition, with the giant planet at its closest approach to Earth, fully illuminated by the Sun and shining brighter than any other time of the year. It will be visible throughout the night, presenting the ideal opportunity to view and photograph Jupiter and its moons. A medium-sized telescope may reveal details in Jupiter’s cloud bands, while a good pair of binoculars can capture Jupiter’s four largest moons as bright dots on either side of the planet.
December 13-14: Geminids Meteor Shower
December 13 and 14 showcase the Geminids Meteor Shower, widely considered the king of meteor showers, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. Generated by debris left behind by the asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon, discovered in 1982, the shower runs annually from December 7 to 17. It peaks this year on the night of the 13th and the morning of the 14th. The nearly full moon may obscure all but the brightest meteors, but patient observers may still catch a few impressive ones. The best viewing conditions will be from a dark location after midnight, with meteors radiating from the constellation Gemini but potentially appearing anywhere in the sky.
December 15: Full Moon
On December 15, a Full Moon will occur, with the Moon positioned on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, fully illuminated at 09:03 UTC. Early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the Cold Moon, symbolizing the onset of cold winter air, long, dark nights, and it is also known as the Long Nights Moon and the Moon Before Yule.
December 21: Solstice
December 21 marks the December Solstice at 09:17 UTC, with the South Pole of the Earth tilted toward the Sun, reaching its southernmost position in the sky and directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.44 degrees south latitude. This day marks the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the Southern Hemisphere.
December 21-22: Ursids Meteor Shower
On December 21 and 22, the Ursids Meteor Shower will be active, a minor shower producing about 5-10 meteors per hour. Generated by dust grains left behind by comet Tuttle, discovered in 1790, the shower runs annually from December 17 to 25, peaking this year on the night of the 21st and the morning of the 22nd. The waning gibbous moon may block out many fainter meteors, but patient observers may still catch some of the brighter ones. The best viewing conditions will be just after midnight from a dark location far from city lights, with meteors radiating from the constellation Ursa Minor but potentially appearing anywhere in the sky.
December 25: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
December 25 brings Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation, with the planet reaching a distance of 22 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury, as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
December 30: New Moon
On December 30, another New Moon will occur, with the Moon positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, rendering it invisible in the night sky. This phase takes place at 22:28 UTC, offering the optimal time during the month to observe faint celestial objects such as galaxies and star clusters due to the absence of moonlight interference.