January 3, 4 - Quadrantids Meteor Shower.
The Quadrantids are an above average shower, with up to 40 meteors per
hour at their peak. The shower usually peaks on January 3 & 4, but
some meteors can be visible from January 1 - 5. The near last quarter
moon will hide many of the fainter meteors with its glare. Best viewing
will be from a dark location after midnight. Look for meteors radiating
from the constellation Bootes.
January 11 - New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 19:44 UTC.
January 27 - Full Moon.
The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be
fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 04:38 UTC.
This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full
Wolf Moon because this was the time of year when hungry wolf packs
howled outside their camps. This moon has also been know as the Old Moon
and the Moon After Yule.
February 10 - New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 07:20 UTC.
February 25 - Full Moon.
The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be
fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 20:26 UTC.
This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full
Snow Moon because the heaviest snows usually fell during this time of
the year. Since hunting is difficult, this moon has also been known by
some tribes as the Full Hunger Moon.
March 11 - New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 19:51 UTC.
March 20 - March Equinox.
The March equinox occurs at 11:02 UTC. The Sun will shine directly on
the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night
throughout the world. This is also the first day of spring (vernal
equinox) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of fall (autumnal
equinox) in the southern hemisphere.
March 27 - Full Moon.
The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be
fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 09:27 UTC.
This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full
Worm Moon because this was the time of year when the ground would begin
to soften and the earthworms would reappear. This moon has also been
known as the Full Crow Moon, the Full Crust Moon, and the Full Sap Moon.
April 10 -
New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 09:35 UTC.
April 20 -
Astronomy Day Part 1.
Astronomy Day is an annual event intended to provide a means of
interaction between the general public and various astronomy
enthusiasts, groups and professionals. The theme of Astronomy Day is
"Bringing Astronomy to the People," and on this day astronomy and
stargazing clubs and other organizations around the world will plan
special events. You can find out about special local events by
contacting your local astronomy club or planetarium. You can also find
more about Astronomy Day by checking the Web site for the
Astronomical League.
April 21, 22 -
Lyrids Meteor Shower.
The Lyrids are an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors
per hour at their peak. These meteors can produce bright dust trails
that last for several seconds. The shower usually peaks on April 21
& 22, although some meteors can be visible from April 16 - 25. The
gibbous moon could be a problem this year, hiding many of the fainter
meteors in its glare. It will set before sunrise, providing a short
window of dark skies. Look for meteors radiating from the constellation
of Lyra after midnight.
April 25 -
Full Moon.
The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be
fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 19:57 UTC.
This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full
Pink Moon because it marked the appearance of the moss pink, or wild
ground phlox, which is one of the first spring flowers. This year, it is
also known as the Paschal Full Moon because it is the first full moon
of the spring season.
April 25 -
Partial Lunar Eclipse. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
April 28 -
Saturn at Opposition.
The ringed planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face
will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view and
photograph Saturn and its moons.
May 5, 6 -
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower.
The Eta Aquarids are a light shower, usually producing about 10 meteors
per hour at their peak. The shower's peak usually occurs on May 5 &
6, however viewing should be good on any morning from May 4 - 7. The
crescent moon will hang around for the show, but should not cause too
many problems. The radiant point for this shower will be in the
constellation Aquarius. Best viewing is usually to the east after
midnight, far from city lights.
May 10 -
New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 00:28 UTC.
May 10 -
Annular Solar Eclipse. The path of annularity will begin in western Australia and move east across the central Pacific Ocean.
May 25 -
Full Moon.
The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be
fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 04:25 UTC.
This phase occurs at 11:09 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native
American tribes as the Full Flower Moon because this was the time of
year when spring flowers appeared in abundance. This moon has also been
known as the Full Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon.
May 28 -
Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter.
The two bright planets will be within 1 degree of each other in the
evening sky. The planet Mercury will also will also be visible nearby.
Look to the west near sunset.
May 25 -
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of North America, South America, western Europe, and western Africa.
June 8 -
New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 15:56 UTC.
June 21 -
June Solstice.
The June solstice occurs at 05:04 UTC. The North Pole of the earth will
be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its northernmost
position in the sky and will be directly over the Tropic of Cancer at
23.44 degrees north latitude. This is the first day of summer (summer
solstice) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of winter (winter
solstice) in the southern hemisphere.
June 8 -
New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 15:56 UTC.
June 23 -
Full Moon.
The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be
fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 11:32 UTC.
This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full
Strawberry Moon because it signaled the time of year to gather ripening
fruit. It also coincides with the peak of the strawberry harvesting
season. This moon has also been known as the Full Rose Moon and the Full
Honey Moon.
July 8 -
New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 07:14 UTC.
July 22 - Full Moon.
The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be
fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 18:15 UTC.
This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full
Buck Moon because the male buck deer would begin to grow their new
antlers at this time of year. This moon has also been known as the Full
Thunder Moon and the Full Hay Moon.
July 28, 29 - Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower.
The Delta Aquarids can produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak.
The shower usually peaks on July 28 & 29, but some meteors can also
be seen from July 18 - August 18. The radiant point for this shower
will be in the constellation Aquarius. The last quarter moon will be
around for the show and may hide some of the fainter meteors. Best
viewing is usually to the east after midnight.
August 6 - New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 21:51 UTC.
August 12, 13 - Perseids Meteor Shower.
The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up
to 60 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower's peak usually occurs
on August 13 & 14, but you may be able to see some meteors any time
from July 23 - August 22. The radiant point for this shower will be in
the constellation Perseus. The near first quarter moon will set before
midnight, leaving optimal conditions and dark skies for what should be
an awesome show. Find a location far from city lights and look to the
northeast after midnight.
August 21 - Full Moon.
The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be
fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 01:45 UTC.
This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full
Sturgeon Moon because the large sturgeon fish of the Great Lakes and
other major lakes were more easily caught at this time of year. This
moon has also been known as the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon.
August 27 - Neptune at Opposition.
The blue planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face
will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view
Neptune. Due to its distance, it will only appear as a tiny blue dot in
all but the most powerful telescopes.
September 5 - New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 11:36 UTC.
September 19 - Full Moon.
The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be
fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 11:13 UTC.
This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full
Corn Moon because the corn is harvested around this time of year. This
moon is also known as the Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon is the full
moon that occurs closest to the September equinox each year.
September 22 - September Equinox.
The September equinox occurs at 20:44 UTC. The Sun will shine directly
on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night
throughout the world. This is also the first day of fall (autumnal
equinox) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of spring (vernal
equinox) in the southern hemisphere.
October 3 - Uranus at Opposition.
The blue-green planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its
face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view
Uranus. Due to its distance, it will only appear as a tiny blue-green
dot in all but the most powerful telescopes.
October 12 -
Astronomy Day Part 2. Astronomy
Day is an annual event intended to provide a means of interaction
between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and
professionals. The theme of Astronomy Day is "Bringing Astronomy to
the People," and on this day astronomy and stargazing clubs and other
organizations around the world will plan special events. You can find
out about special local events by contacting your local astronomy club
or planetarium. You can also find more about Astronomy Day by checking
the Web site for the
Astronomical League.
October 5 - New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 00:34 UTC.
October 18 - Full Moon.
The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be
fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 23:38 UTC.
This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full
Hunters Moon because at this time of year the leaves are falling and the
game is fat and ready to hunt. This will also be the smallest full moon
of the year because it will be near apogee, its farthest point from the
Earth.
October 18 - Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of the world except for Australia and extreme eastern Siberia.
October 21, 22 - Orionids Meteor Shower.
The Orionids is an average shower producing about 20 meteors per hour
at their peak. This shower usually peaks on the 21st, but it is highly
irregular. A good show could be experienced on any morning from October
20 - 24, and some meteors may be seen any time from October 17 - 25. The
gibbous moon will be a problem this year, hiding all but the brightest
meteors with its glare. Best viewing will be to the east after midnight.
Be sure to find a dark location far from city lights.
November 3 - New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 12:50 UTC.
November 3 - Hybrid Solar Eclipse.
The eclipse path will begin in the Atlantic Ocean off the eastern coast
of the United States and move east across the Atlantic and across
central Africa.
November 17 - Full Moon.
The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be
fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 15:16 UTC.
This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full
Beaver Moon because this was the time of year to set the beaver traps
before the swamps and rivers froze. It has also been known as the Frosty
Moon.
November 17, 18 - Leonids Meteor Shower.
The Leonids is one of the better meteor showers to observe, producing
an average of 40 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower itself has a
cyclic peak year every 33 years where hundreds of meteors can be seen
each hour. The last of these occurred in 2001. The shower usually peaks
on November 17 & 18, but you may see some meteors from November 13 -
20. The full moon will prevent this from being a great show this year,
but with up to 40 meteors per hour possible, this could still be a good
show. Look for the shower radiating from the constellation Leo after
midnight.
November 28 - Comet ISON Closest Approach to the Sun.
Newly discovered comet ISON will make its closest approach to the Sun
on November 28. If the comet survives its encounter with the Sun, it
could be one of the brightest comets in recent memory. Some astronomers
estimate that it could even be bright enough to be seen during daylight
hours. In August and September, the comet will begin to be visible in
the morning sky in dark locations with telescopes. In October it will
start to be visible to the naked eye and will continue to get brighter
until November 28. If the comet survives, it will be visible in the
early morning and early evening sky and could be nearly as bright as the
full Moon. Some astronomers are already calling it the comet of the
century.
December 3 - New Moon. The Moon will be directly between the Earth and the Sun and will not be visible from Earth. This phase occurs at 00:22 UTC.
December 13, 15 - Geminids Meteor Shower.
Considered by many to be the best meteor shower in the heavens, the
Geminids are known for producing up to 60 multicolored meteors per hour
at their peak. The peak of the shower usually occurs around December 13
& 14, although some meteors should be visible from December 6 - 19.
The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Gemini.
The gibbous moon could be a problem this year, hiding man of the fainter
meteors. But with up to 60 meteors per hour predicted, this should
still be a good show. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight
from a dark location.
December 17 - Full Moon.
The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be
fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 09:28 UTC.
This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full
Cold Moon because this is the time of year when the cold winter air
settles in and the nights become long and dark. This moon has also been
known as the Moon Before Yule and the Full Long Nights Moon.
December 21 - December Solstice.
The December solstice occurs at 17:11 UTC. The South Pole of the earth
will be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its southernmost
position in the sky and will be directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at
23.44 degrees south latitude. This is the first day of winter (winter
solstice) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of summer (summer
solstice) in the southern hemisphere.
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
