Get ready for a dazzling astronomical show in 2024! This year promises a captivating display of 12 full Moons, a cascade of meteor showers, five eclipses, and four awe-inspiring Supermoons.
Kicking off the year in style:
- January 3rd - 4th: Prepare to be dazzled by the Quadrantids meteor shower! It's predicted to reach its peak during this period, potentially illuminating the night sky with dozens of meteors streaking across the heavens every hour. NASA experts anticipate a breathtaking celestial performance.
- January 12th: Early risers will be rewarded with a magnificent sight as Mercury becomes visible before sunrise. Look low in the eastern sky for the elusive planet catching the first rays of dawn.
- January 25th: Mark your calendars, for the year's first full Moon graces the night sky on this date. Residents across the US can catch the lunar spectacle in all its glory after sunset.
Rewind to 2023:
- The past year treated us to a celestial feast with 13 full Moons, culminating in the mesmerizing Cold Moon that graced Boxing Day (December 26th). This beauty also held the title of the longest full Moon of the year, reaching its peak brilliance at 7:33 pm (ET).
- 2023 didn't shy away from celestial surprises, even gifting us a blue Moon on August 30th. And that's not all! Four of the full Moons were the magnificent Supermoons, occurring on July 3rd, August 1st, August 30th, and September 29th.
Beyond the Moons:
But wait, there's more! 2024 promises a celestial smorgasbord:
- Meteor showers: Brace yourselves for a cosmic ballet of falling stars throughout the year! The Lyrids (April 22nd-23rd), Eta Aquarids (May 6th-7th), Perseids (August 12th-13th), Orionids (October 20th-21st), and Geminids (December 13th-14th) are just some of the showers vying for your attention.
- Eclipses: Get ready for celestial light shows with five eclipses throughout the year – two solar and three lunar! Mark your calendars for April 8th (total solar eclipse), March 25th (penumbral lunar eclipse), September 17th (lunar occultation of Saturn), September 23rd (partial lunar eclipse), and November 15th (Supermoon lunar eclipse).
So, grab your star charts, set your alarms, and prepare to be mesmerized by the celestial spectacles that 2024 has in store. From blazing Supermoons to shooting stars, this year promises to be a feast for the eyes and a journey of wonder for anyone with a heart turned towards the heavens.
