As 2024 comes to a close, expect one of the most breathtaking meteor showers. Under perfect conditions, viewers can see up to about 120 shooting stars per hour.
The fifth planet of the solar system will be illuminated by the Sun and be visible for the entire night. The use of a telescope or binoculars will be necessary. Venus, Mars, and Neptune should also be visible at varying times.
This Supermoon will be the closest to Earth, making it appear to be a giant in the fall sky.
The Orionids are the second shower of the year produced from Halley, one of the most famous comets. This year, the Orionids will peak on the night of October 20 and morning of the 21. Under ideal conditions one can expect a maximum of about 10 to 20 meteors per hour.
This comet was first discovered in January 2023 by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China. Sightings of the comet could start as soon as the 12th and last for a week.
The first of two meteor showers during October is expected to peak on the night of the 8th. The Draconid meteor shower can be traced back to space debris left behind by comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner.
The last Supermoon of the year will peak during the afternoon in the Northern Hemisphere. Because of its closeness, the full Beaver Moon will appear as one of the brightest and largest moons of the year.
The final full moon of the year got its nickname from the cold weather and winter's arrival in the Northern Hemisphere.
Sources: (The New York Post) (Smithsonian Magazine)
See also: Missed it? Relive the 2024 solar eclipse in pictures
Even the iconic Easter Island statues took a backseat to the awe-inspiring spectacle of the 2024 solar eclipse.
If you missed the last eclipse of 2024, click on to see the upcoming celestial events to mark on your calendar!
The sun transformed into a crescent shape as the Moon approached, and then the "ring of fire" marveled spectators before the sun's full return.
These snapshots show, from left to right, how the annular eclipse progressed, as the moon gradually covered the sun, creating a stunning "ring of fire" before revealing the Sun in its full glory.
The moon sneaks up on the sun during the annular solar eclipse, seen from Argentina.
In an annular eclipse, the Moon passes between the sun and Earth but is not large enough to completely cover the sun, creating a "ring of fire" effect.
Dana the dog and other curious spectators witnessed the spectacular 2024 solar eclipse in Las Horquetas, one of the most southern points in Argentina. Eye protection is a must for safe viewing!
A series of eclipses that amazed us in 2024 came to an end in October 2, with a breathtaking celestial event: an annular solar eclipse. Visible across parts of North and South America, as well as the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the eclipse captivated skywatchers worldwide. Easter Island, renowned for its ancient statues, became a prime viewing location for this extraordinary phenomenon.
Another celestial spectacle coming to an end is the Draconid meteor shower. This stunning celestial event will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere until October 10. Even though the peak has passed, you may still be able to enjoy a night of meteor gazing.
With advancements in technology, numerous celestial events have been predicted and observed with ease. From meteor showers to supermoons, there's something for everyone to marvel at.
If you missed the recent solar eclipse, don't worry! There are still plenty of celestial wonders to behold in the coming months. Click here to explore a calendar of upcoming events and plan your stargazing adventures.
Draconid meteor shower: last chance to witness a celestial spectacle
Don't miss the upcoming astronomical events of 2024
LIFESTYLE Eclipse
A series of eclipses that amazed us in 2024 came to an end on October 2, with a breathtaking celestial event: an annular solar eclipse. Visible across parts of North and South America, as well as the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the eclipse captivated skywatchers worldwide. Easter Island, renowned for its ancient statues, became a prime viewing location for this extraordinary phenomenon.
Another celestial spectacle coming to an end is the Draconid meteor shower. This stunning celestial event will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere until October 10. Even though the peak has passed, you may still be able to enjoy a night of meteor gazing.
With advancements in technology, numerous celestial events have been predicted and observed with ease. From meteor showers to supermoons, there's something for everyone to marvel at.
If you missed the recent solar eclipse, don't worry! There are still plenty of celestial wonders to behold in the coming months. Click here to explore a calendar of upcoming events and plan your stargazing adventures.