Celestial enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting lineup of skywatching events in 2024, including meteor showers, supermoons, and a spectacular total solar eclipse. Mark your calendars for these awe-inspiring moments that will grace the night sky throughout the coming year.
In January, the Quadrantids meteor shower will kick off the celestial festivities, reaching its peak between Jan. 3 and Jan. 4, offering a chance to witness up to 120 shooting stars per hour. March brings a subtle yet captivating Penumbral Lunar Eclipse on Mar. 25, with the moon passing through Earth's outer shadow, creating a mesmerizing celestial display.
April promises the year's grandest spectacle—a Total Solar Eclipse on April 8. This extraordinary event will cast a shadow over North America, passing through the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The last total solar eclipse visible from the U.S. until 2044, this celestial phenomenon promises darkened skies, cooled temperatures, and potential appearances of nocturnal wildlife.
Fast-forward to April 21 and April 22, where the Lyrid meteor shower, known for its speedy and bright fireballs, is expected to peak. With historical observations dating back over 2,700 years, the Lyrids may offer a meteoric outburst in 2042, with rates possibly reaching as high as 100 meteors per hour.
Despite sharing the stage with a total solar eclipse, the Perseid meteor shower remains a highlight in August, expected to peak on the mornings of Aug. 11, Aug. 12, and Aug. 13. September treats sky gazers to another lunar delight with a Partial Lunar Eclipse on Sept. 17, creating a pronounced shadow on the moon.
November introduces the Leonid meteor shower, predicted to peak between Nov. 17 and Nov. 18. While historically known for powerful storms, this year might see a lower count due to a full moon just days before the Leonids' peak. Nevertheless, stargazers can still witness bright streaks after midnight and before dawn.
The grand finale unfolds in December with the Geminid meteor shower, considered one of the year's best displays. Set to peak between Dec. 13 and Dec. 14, this annual shower promises a breathtaking show of up to 120 meteors per hour, with the Geminids often showcasing a distinctive greenish hue.
Source: WUSA
Photo: Getty