With International Dark Sky Week currently taking place and the Lyrid meteor shower happening soon on April 21-22, sky viewers and gazers are in for a meteorological treat. What makes things even better is that there are even more sky viewing events that viewers can look forward to in the coming months.
May 2023: Eta Aquarids
This May, the meteor shower "Eta Aquarids" will peak from around 3 a.m. until 6 a.m. on the 6th of May. According to KQED, meteors will be produced at a rate of 60 rocks per hour.
This meteor shower is one of the two that are created from Comet Halley's debris. On the night of this meteor shower, a full moon will appear. There are chances that the moon's light will compete with the blazing rocks, which means that visibility may not be as high.
June 2023: Venus To Arrive at Greatest Eastern Elongation
By June 4, the brightest planet will arrive at its greatest eastern elongation, which is around 45.5 degrees from the sun. SeaSky notes that the planet will be at its peak in the night sky, which makes it the best time to catch a glimpse of this planet. Simply search for the sight after the sun sets in the western sky.
July 2023: Delta Aquarids
While this meteor shower may be an average one that could produce 20 rocks per hour, it is still an astronomical sight to keep watch for. This shower results from comet Kracht and Marsden's debris.
SeaSky adds that the Delta Aquarids annually takes place from July 12 up until August 23; but this year, it will be peaking by the evening of 29th and morning of the 30th.
August 2023: Perseids
Among the many meteor showers, Perseids is one of the best ones to watch. Though it may fall short compared to the Eta Aquarids, it still produces more than 50 rocks per hour when it is at its peak. This astronomical event can be observed on August 12-13.
Almanac also adds that this meteor shower will not be obstructed by the moon's shine. In fact, the phase of the moon by this time will only be 10% full.
September 2023: Opposition of Neptune
On September 19, the giant blue planet will be closest to earth. The sun will also illuminate over its feature, making it at its brightest and most visible state. SeaSky notes that this will be the most ideal time to check out and capture the planet.
October 2023: Annular Solar Eclipse
Annular solar eclipses take place when the moon is far enough from the earth for the sun to be completely covered. A ring of light results and appears around the dark moon. During such events, the corona of the sun cannot be seen.
The path of this annular solar eclipse will start from southern Canada's coast in the Pacific Ocean and move through the US and Central America. It will also move across Columbia and Brazil.
Across several areas in South and North America, a partial eclipse may be visible.
November 2023: Opposition of Jupiter
Jupiter will be closest to earth on November 3. The sun will also shine upon it and make it bright and visible. Jupiter enthusiasts should keep watch for this event, as it will also be the best time to snap the huge planet.
Making use of a medium telescope should be enough to look into some details of the planet's bands of clouds. Moreover, quality binoculars may enable viewers to see the planet's four giant moons.
December 2023: Geminids
Considered the king of meteor showers, the Geminids will produce 120 multicolored rocks per hour when it peaks. Its rocks come from asteroid 3200 Phaethon's debris.
This meteor shower annually takes place from December 7-17. According to EarthSky, in 2023, it will peak on the 13th and 14th of December.
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